My Favorite Korean Word

When people talk they mean something else, and you're just supposed to know what they mean. 
- Alan Turing in The Imitation Game

The word is Nun-chi, (pronounced Noon-Chi). 

Nun = eye. Chi = measure.
눈치

Some might call it respect, or tact. Others define it as consensus. Or quick wits. Perhaps it means reading another person's (or group's) intent without words. Common Sense. Intuition. Clued in. Taking the hint. Socially astute. The Force is strong in you.

Whatever it is, body language is BIG here. So much happens, so many things are said, without a sound. One gauges the current situation, and acts accordingly.

Nun-chi both defies and then defines common sense. It is social awareness at the nonverbal level. One is supposed to know a lot without being told it in words.

If one has no Nun-Chi (and there is a not-nice phrase here to describe someone without Nun-Chi), one is not very aware of the immediate situation, of others and how they perceive you. Clueless! In the business world, without Nun-Chi there is no promotion. If I go into a classroom without Nun-Chi ... well ... we may get through the material, but no one would get much out of it. The spouse without Nun-Chi keeps on being the bull in the delicate world of the china shop.

Nun-Chi is big here because it is a Confucian society. So many social expectations govern every situation, and every situation is chock-a-block full of relationships, most of them sub rosa. Like it or not, one must always blend in and work their part in the larger whole. It is well-nigh impossible to take a "social vacation" in this country where one is always in relationship, and thus, always on-stage. One is always playing a part - all the world's a stage - and to do this well, have a serving of Nun-Chi.

Now, as some may be doing right now, you are protesting. Why should I have to worry about others, and "play up" or "lower myself" to others' expectations?  You don't. Unless, you are friend, or spouse, or son/daughter, or seeing to someone in illness or in trouble. Or a counselor. Can you say, "Pastor"?

Without Nun-Chi, one might never "hear" the other person's pain or need; only hear the white noise of self. Nun-Chi is part of the toolbox for the Listener, the Shaman (see last post), the Accompanier. This is Christology, as in Immanuel.

In conclusion, Nun-Chi is a big, BIG part of a Confucian culture. Think of it as the social-lubricant that makes so much happen here. Without being obvious.

Here is a summarizing video - a bit immature at times, but overall helpful.

This post is brought to you by the Jungian concept: shadows coming to light.

Marc
Next time: DMZ???