Korea Tourism Organization chief Lee Cham (C, back) takes part in a campaign on Seoul's Myeongdong street on May 3, 2012, to welcome foreign tourists, mainly from China and Japan, who are visiting South Korea on the consecutive holidays of Japan's Golden Week and China's Labor Day. (Yonhap)
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3:18 pm on May 5th, 2012 1
Koreans welcome Chinese and Japanese tourists with a big sign, WELCOME TO KOREA, in English.
4:30 pm on May 5th, 2012 2
Why are so many sashes worn upside down?
4:34 pm on May 5th, 2012 3
#1,
The fact it’s in English has a lot to do with some of the roles played by English in Korea (which aren’t all positive).
4:24 am on May 6th, 2012 4
When Koreans go to Japan and China to do business, they often do so in English. It’s easier for everyone to all learn English than for people in an area of many languages to try and target each other individually.
5:02 am on May 6th, 2012 5
#3 “The fact it’s in English has a lot to do with some of the roles played by English in Korea (which aren’t all positive).”
I too have often found the wrench, prybar, and hammer to have a role not too positive.
Like language is a tool, I think you meant to talk about society’s over emphasis on English proficiency or lack of consistency in education.
English is a surprisingly easy way for many nationals from differing nations to communicate.
There is no problem with English in Korea as a tool, it is this generation’s Lingua Franca, the next may be Chinese which I’m sure you will have no problem with.
5:24 pm on May 6th, 2012 6
#5,
No problem with English in Korea? Tell me, what is the primary role played by English in Korea (no, it’s not to communicate with foreigners)?
5:25 pm on May 6th, 2012 7
…To make things a little clearer for you: What are the main motivators for studying English here?