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