How to use Honorifics in Korean: The Modern Usage

📄 How to use Honorifics in Korean: The Modern Usage of 존댓말

Understanding 존댓말 (honorifics) may be challenging for those not raised in cultures that use them. While some languages, such as French with its distinctions of ‘tu’ and ‘vous’, have their versions of honorifics, Korean 존댓말 is more intricate due to its subdivisions.

The most prevalent understanding of 존댓말 is that you employ it when speaking to someone older or of a higher social position. Conversely, you would use 반말 (informal speech) in opposite situations. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Many Koreans might ask newcomers: “몇 살이에요?” or “나이가 어떻게 되세요?”, translating to “How old are you?” in English. While this might be deemed impolite in various cultures, it’s also increasingly viewed as less polite within Korean society.

Historically, the usage of 존댓말 was rooted in hierarchies passed down from the Confucian era. As one blogger notes,

“Confucian order has traditionally been significant in Korea, and this is deeply reflected in the language”(source: https://jubileey.tistory.com/55)

Age and social standing are integral to Korean culture. However, that doesn’t mean the tradition remains unchallenged. Like all cultures, Korean practices have evolved, especially in language. The Korean spoken by older generations differs from that of younger ones.

Modern 존댓말 usage hinges on the perceived distance between speakers. You should employ 존댓말 with someone if you feel they aren’t close to you, regardless of age or status. This approach is becoming the new norm in Korean etiquette, although some older individuals may still adhere to traditional ways, sometimes to the chagrin of younger generations.

Several learners might question why this cultural shift occurred, attributing it possibly to Western influence. While Western culture might play a role, I identify three primary reasons for the modern shift in honorific usage: Modern Lifestyle, The Third Industrial Revolution, and Democratization.

1. Modern Lifestyle:
   Unlike their parents, most younger Koreans were born in urban settings. Traditional communities, often in the agricultural or early industrial phases, were closely-knit. In such settings, personal affairs quickly became communal knowledge. Such intimacy, seen as endearing in traditional settings, is viewed as invasive in urban environments. Urban life thrives on anonymity. Encounters with strangers are frequent, and maintaining a level of detachment becomes crucial, leading to the universal use of 존댓말.
2. The Third Industrial Revolution:
   Previously, expertise in a field required years of experience. The advent of the Internet democratized information access. Age and experience no longer always align with expertise. Hence, the shift to using 존댓말 universally in formal situations. The growth of online communication platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, and Clubhouse further muddied interpersonal boundaries. In these spaces, it’s safer to err on the side of formality, often using the “-요” ending.
3. Democratization:
   1987 saw South Koreans overthrowing the military dictator Chun Doo-hwan. This transition wasn’t merely political; it rippled through socio-cultural facets, including language. Those who opposed the dictatorship laid the foundations for democratic principles like liberty, equality, and solidarity. Subsequent generations, including Millennials and Gen Z, grew up with these values. Consequently, older hierarchical norms based on factors like age, gender, and region have eroded. One noticeable change is in the interaction between seniors (선배) and juniors (후배) in academic or professional settings. Previously, 선배 might use 반말 with 후배, expecting 존댓말 in return. Now, both parties generally use 존댓말 until they become more acquainted, although not everyone may observe this new standard.

In conclusion, the evolution of 존댓말 showcases a dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity. Both traditional and modern usages coexist, and your choice reflects your personal preference. Opting for traditional usage? That’s entirely acceptable. Just be prepared for some to affectionately label you a “꼰대” or, in English, a “fuddy-duddy”, or “boomer.”