Recognizing Different Perspectives

The song Oppa Gangnam Style is using oppa in the romantic term for boyfriend or romantic interest. Gangnam is a wealthy district in Seoul—kind of like New York's Upper East Side. We could possibly translate the song to mean "Boyfriend Upper East Side Style." He is saying that he is cool and hip! It's strange to me that a girl would call her boyfriend "older brother," but that's how the term developed over the years! In fact, we have words with double-meanings in English, too. Can you think of one?

On a side note, today in Korean class I learned that the Korean language uses the verb "to rest" to describe when shops and businesses are closed! The translation would be, "the store is resting on Sundays."  

Language is interesting, although admittingly it is tricky for me to grasp easily. With enough practice, I will be able to distinguish the formal and informal language and hopefully not upset anyone for using the wrong verb ending! 

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