Nunchi and Korean Culture—A panel interview of Korean students

 What does nunchi mean to you?

Give examples of when you have used nunchi (1) for a gain or advantage and (2) when a cross-cultural misunderstanding occurred because of lack of nunchi.

Is there any concept similar to nunchi in other cultures?

It is said that nunchi leads to a fear of others reading your inner thoughts and, therefore, Koreans tend to keep themselves in strict control.  A Korean stone face expresses a negative reaction.  Affect is shown in the eyes more than the whole face or body.  Do you agree?

Koreans are adept at reading nonverbal signals.  Tell about some nonverbal communication aspects of Korean culture:  handing, pointing at someone, come/go signals, tugging at one’s bags on a bus, bowing, etc.  CA other cultures.

Nunchi sometimes results in “deception for the higher goal of harmony.”  What does it mean?  Explain kibun.  How important is it in Korean life?  How is kibun related to nunchi?

We learned that the word ‘no” is seldom said directly in Japanese culture (Read humorous account).  Is this also true in Korea?

Explain the “3-refusal rule.”  Is it really done that way?  How is it different in other cultures?

Explain yin/yang (um/yang).  How is it related to the concept of hierarchical relationships?  Explain the five Confucian relationships.

What is the senior/junior dyad?  How is reflected in your daily lives?  At school, at work, at home?  Drinking and smoking?  Describe Korean drinking customs.

How is hierarchy reflected in language?  (Use of honorifics, levels of formality.)

What is ellipsis and how is it used in the language?  Is this related to nunchi?

Explain how Koreans use names and titles.