| Part 1 of this series covered the language and | | | | structured Asian culture are humility, honesty and |
| language families in general for the Asian languages. | | | | trustworthiness, and loyalty. Taoism While I mention |
| Part 2 will cover the social conduct that is seen | | | | beliefs, I feel I should introduce Taoism and how it |
| throughout Asian countries.To begin, the social | | | | has influenced Asian culture as well. To start off, |
| structure in Asia, and especially East Asian countries, | | | | what is Taoism? Basically, Taoism beliefs strongly link |
| stems from Taoism and Confucianism philosophies. | | | | man to nature. Men will search and find harmony and |
| Confucianism Confucianism has played a big role in | | | | peace, usually in nature. Taoism says everything is |
| setting the social structure in Asia and has more | | | | connected and their is energy that flows between |
| influence than any other belief or philosophy has. Now | | | | everything. A common power runs through |
| before I begin, keep in mind I am not saying all | | | | everything. Many Asians will follow some beliefs of |
| Asians follow the Confucian religion, but deep down in | | | | Taoism. Once again, it may not be about the religion, |
| Asian culture there are Confucian beliefs. An Asian | | | | but just the whole philosophy of it. Searching for |
| person may not even recognize what they do as | | | | peace and harmony can be a great thing for |
| Confucian beliefs, yet it still shapes their beliefs and | | | | anybody to do. I believe everybody could use a little |
| morals.One of the major structures in Asian culture | | | | more peace and harmony in their lives. Nature really |
| influenced by Confucianism is the family structure. | | | | does have some power over people when it comes |
| One of the Confucian beliefs is respect for parents. | | | | to peace. Try sitting in an open, beautiful field with a |
| This explains why Asian children are almost always so | | | | slow breeze. If it doesn't calm you down and relax |
| respectful of their parents and do everything they | | | | you, then something is odd. Unfortunately it is hard |
| are told. Kids will be kids, and disobedience always | | | | for most people in the United States (or many other |
| enters the picture. If you look at the larger picture | | | | countries for that matter) to do this. Industrialization |
| however, you will find that Asian culture puts great | | | | has taken over and lives are too busy. You can |
| respect on elders and people are trained that way | | | | definitely try to make do with what you have |
| from birth. Anyone older than you is going to be | | | | though. Fortunately for Asia, there are still many |
| respected. This is so important in Asia that it is | | | | beautiful landscapes virtually untouched by |
| structured into the language itself. In Korea, there will | | | | industrialization. Nature is everywhere in Asia. You will |
| be different endings for verbs, and sometimes | | | | find some of the most beautiful palaces situated on |
| different verbs altogether that need to be used | | | | lily ponds (such as Gyeongbokgung Palace in near |
| depending on who you speak with. If you speak to | | | | Seoul).Wherever it may be, everyone can find an |
| someone older than you, you will need to use a polite | | | | escape in nature. Asians have realized this and have |
| and honorific style of speech. It differs from English in | | | | grown to love nature. They also have set up a social |
| the fact that the actual language and words change. | | | | structure of great respect for others.Part 3 will teach |
| In English, it is simply acceptable to speak politely and | | | | Korean and Asian culture through details on Korean |
| add a sir on the end for example. The language | | | | schools and educational systems. Stay tuned and |
| doesn't change however. Both languages have their | | | | check back soon!Learn Korean Language is a site |
| own ways to show respect. Korean just has it | | | | based on teaching the Korean language. It also |
| actually included in the words and basic structures of | | | | provides details on Korean culture, Korean foods, |
| the language.Some other Confucian beliefs that have | | | | Korean recipes, Korean music, everything Korean! |