#102, Norms

the Western cultural norm of singing Happy Birthday on one's cake day

norm n. a standard or pattern, esp. of social behavior, that is typical or expected of a group

Korea is a remarkably homogeneous (of the same kind) nation; approximately 98% of the citizens are ethnic Koreans. It is partly because of this homogeneity that cultural norms are so strong here. One of the cultural Korean norms that is particularly well known is egyo (애교). Egyo, essentially, is acting cute to get something you want. Usually girls practice egyo, but boys can do so too.

Answer one or more of the following questions about norms. (a) Describe an experience you've had with a cultural norm outside of Korea. (b) What are some of your unique familial (related to family) norms? (c) What Korean cultural norms are misunderstood?

-Brenden Lee Teacher

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