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Will native speakers get angry with me for accidental informal speech?
I'm learning Korean and I sometimes forget to use my formalities when speaking to those in a higher rank than me or not close to me. However the one person I am able to practice with does not take it to heart. She is older than me, has children my age (23) and although we aren't strangers we aren't exactly close enough to be considered friends. She understands I'm learning and will correct me if I use informal speech towards her, as means to help me, not scold me.
My question is, if do end up going to Korea and make a mistake like using incorrect speech towards my elder or higher rank, will they be offended and be angry with me or will they understand it was a mistake because I'm a foreigner? Should I just add 요 and 입니다 to the end of my sentences no matter what unless they are friend? Just to be sade?
I plan on making a trip down to Koreatown in NY this weekend, and I do want to treat the shop owners and people I come across with respect when I attempt to use their language.
My question is, if do end up going to Korea and make a mistake like using incorrect speech towards my elder or higher rank, will they be offended and be angry with me or will they understand it was a mistake because I'm a foreigner? Should I just add 요 and 입니다 to the end of my sentences no matter what unless they are friend? Just to be sade?
I plan on making a trip down to Koreatown in NY this weekend, and I do want to treat the shop owners and people I come across with respect when I attempt to use their language.
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It is just right to apologize for it, since that is one sign of respect. I have been learning Korean for almost a year and it is very vital to learn everything in polite formal/informal level of speech before trying to do it in a level that you can speak to close friends. I always use polite informal (using -요) to everyone I meet for the first time then if they become close friends to me, they would let me change the level of speech. (of course, they are mostly to ones younger than me XD). You have to learn using -요 in everything, because it will be easier when you are finally comfortable with it and transition it. My 선생님 had taught me in that manner so I think that's why I am used to it. ^^
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