English Department

29 April 2014  Angela Lee & Mickey Tsang  (4C)

 

A & M:    Good morning Principal, teachers and fellow schoolmates. 

A:            annyeonghasaeyo  hongkong saram ieyo

M:            Hey, Angela, what are you doing? 

A:            I am practising my Korean.

M:            Practising Korean?  You are learning Korean?

A:            Yes, I am.

M:            Why do you learn Korean?  Ah!   Because you like Dominjoon xi?

A:            Partly true.  Korean actors are really attractive, but I also find Korean culture very interesting.

M:            Really, can you tell me more about that?

A:            OK.  If two people eat out, the elder one or the senior one will pay the bill.

M:            That means if I go out for lunch with Ms Cheng, she will be the boss.

A:            Yes.  In Korea, the juniors respect the seniors and the seniors take good care of the younger.

M:            It sounds interesting.  Can you tell me one more?

A:            Of course.  In Korea, if you meet a new friend, what will you ask him or her?

M:            Well, I may ask, ‘which school do you go to?’ or ‘what are your hobbies?’

A:            True in Hong Kong, but in Korea, people will also ask you about your age.

M:            In Hong Kong, that will sound improper.

A:           Yes, but in Korea, people ask about your age so that they know if you are younger or older than them. 

If you are older, they will have to use more polite language with you.

M:            Ah, I got it.  It’s very different from the Chinese culture.

A:            You’re right.  Mickey, this year is the Year of the Horse, do you like horses?

M:            Yes, horses symbolize energy and freedom.  Is it the same in Korea?

A:           Not really.  In Korea, it is believed that if you were born in the Year of the Horse, you will lead a hard life. 

It is especially true with girls.   Therefore, Korean mothers will do whatever they can not to give birth to babies in the Year of the Horse.

M:            Thank you so much for telling me so many interesting things about Korea.

A:            In fact, learning about different cultures can really open our eyes.

M:            Yes, in Hong Kong, we can get in touch with different cultures.  We should do our best to learn more.

A:            Right!  Let’s work hard together.

M:           Thank you.