A Comparison of Thinking and Writing Patterns in Korea and the United States. AFS Occasional Papers in Intercultural Learning No. 12

• Main Author: Norton, Robert F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: AFS Center for the Study of Intercultural Learning 01.07.1987
• Subjects: Cognitive Processes; Comparative Analysis; Cross Cultural Studies; Cultural Differences; Cultural Influences; Cultural Traits; International Education; Korea; Pattern Analysis; Writing (Composition); Writing Processes; Writing Research; South Korea

Major writing style differences between Korean and U.S. essayists are examined in order to determine: (1) the types of relationships expressed in a specific essay; (2) the sequence in which related ideas are expressed; and (3) the distance between two ideas that comprise each relationship. Eighteen basic types of relationships were examined in essays selected from both cultures on topics in the general subject areas of nature, philosophy, and customs. Each idea in an essay was compared to every other idea in it in order to identify relationships. Results indicated that U.S. essayists tended to use general-to-specific sequences, while Korean essayists constructed sequences which moved from specific-to-general. This may account for difficulties authors from both of these cultures encounter when attempting to write materials for the other culture. The study concluded that U.S. essayists tend to be deductive writers, while Korean authors tend to organize materials inductively and that sequence, not type, of relationship may account for the major differences in expression modes in different cultures. Tables are included. (JHP)