Politeness levels in the Korean language

Аннотация

This article examines the category of politeness in the Korean language as a unique linguistic and cultural phenomenon that reflects Confucian traditions, social values, and hierarchical relations characteristic of Korean society. The main focus is on the analysis of the main levels of speech etiquette, such as formal-polite, informal- polite, and informal speech, as well as the grammatical and lexical means that provide their expression. The article describes in detail the use of formal and informal grammatical endings, honorific verbs, polite nouns and pronouns, and special expressions to indicate respect. The features of the use of the suffix (으)시, honorific forms of verbs and nouns, as well as the nuances of choosing speech levels depending on social status, age, and context of communication are revealed. Keywords: Korean language, category of politeness, speech etiquette, formal speech, informal speech, honorific forms, grammatical endings, social hierarchy, intercultural communication, Confucian traditions, Korean culture. Introduction: The Korean language is one of the Formal-Polite Speech (합쇼체) languages in which the categories of politeness play a This is the modern conversational formal-polite style. It significant role in communication. These categories is also called the formal polite style. It is the most form the foundation of interactions between people, common style when interacting with strangers and is determining how one should address a conversation generally used at the beginning of a conversation, partner depending on their age, social status, and the gradually transitioning to less formal styles. It is closeness between the speaker and the addressee. This article explores the main aspects of politeness in the characterized by verb endings such as -ㅂ니다/- Korean language, including the system of speech levels, 습니다. the peculiarities of address, and the cultural context. Used: Speech Levels (높임법) Between strangers during the first meeting. The Korean language has 7 categories of politeness, Often between male colleagues. which reflect the degree of respect or closeness By television hosts. between speakers. Each category has unique verb endings characteristic of that particular level. The When addressing customers. degree of politeness in each category can further be In some set expressions, e.g., 만나서 반갑습니다 expressed with the polite form by adding the respectful ("Nice to meet you"). suffix 시. The names of the categories in Korean are Example: derived from the verb 하다 (to do) + verb-ending suffix • 가십니까? (Are you going?) of the respective category + suffix 체, meaning “style.” Informal-Polite Speech (해요체) Some of these styles are gradually disappearing from colloquial Korean and are mainly used in historical films This style is used more frequently in everyday or novels. communication with peers or colleagues. The endings - American Journal Of Philological Sciences 183 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajps American Journal Of Philological Sciences (ISSN – 2771-2273) magazines, etc.). 요 give speech a friendly and respectful tone. In certain exclamations. Used: In phrasebooks for foreigners. Present: 한다 Between strangers, especially of the older generation. Present Honorific: 하신다 Often between female colleagues. Hage-style. Neutral Style Between younger strangers, as an alternative to A middle-familiar style of communication. It is not used formal-polite speech. with children and never in communication between As a less formal polite style between strangers or blood relatives. It is not very common in acquaintances (not close). communication and is mostly used by the older Example: generation (over 60). Used: • 가요. (I am going.) By older people when addressing youth, friends, or Official-Neutral Speech (하오체) non-blood relatives (e.g., son-in-law, daughter-in-law, father-in-law, mother-in-law) in a friendly manner. This level is rarely used and is associated with traditional or literary speech. It is a semi-formal or Occasionally between male friends. "middle" style. Initially, it was a poetic style and was In novels. used in unclear social situations. However, due to its excessive use by authorities during the dictatorship, it Present: 하네 acquired a negative connotation. Therefore, it is almost Present Honorific: 하시네 never used by the generation that grew up after the democratization of Korea. It is mainly used by the older Hasoseo-style. Highly Formal Officially-Polite Style generation (over 60). This style is traditionally used when addressing the Used: Occasionally between older people, civil king, queen, or high-ranking officials. It belongs to servants, police officers, middle managers, and those archaic styles and is used exclusively in historical temporarily in charge of people of higher status. dramas and the Bible. In written form, especially by men, mostly on the Present: 하나이다 internet. Present Honorific: 하시나이다. In historical dramas to give dialogues an archaic tone. Present: