Music Monday: "Just the Way You Are" and Compliments

Today, first grade students talked about compliments.
We listened to Bruno Mars' song "Just the Way You Are." In this song, Bruno gives his girlfriend compliments. He thinks she is beautiful, smart, and has a sexy laugh. But she is not confident, and she rejects his compliments. He is disappointed because she does not accept his compliments.

Korean people and American people use compliments differently.

In Korean culture, it is very common to reject a compliment, like this:

Girl 1: You look pretty with your hair up like that.
Girl 2: No, I don't. I look like an old woman.

But in American culture, it is less common. Americans use compliments

Instead, Americans often return a compliment, like this:

Girl 1: You look pretty with your hair up like that.
Girl 2: Thanks. Your hair looks great, too.

Americans also often respond by adding information to help continue the conversation, like this:

Girl 1: You look pretty with your hair up like that.
Girl 2: Thanks. I got it cut at a new place near my apartment. They're great - would you like to come with me next time?

Americans often use compliments to begin conversation or build friendship.

To learn more about comparing Korean and American compliment styles, look at the article outside the English classroom. It reviews scientific studies on Korean and American compliments.

To watch Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" video again, click here.