Why First-Name Basis Feels Uncomfortable

Business

On names, hierarchy, and cultural nuance

Updated: 2025.12.23

3 min read · Intermediate

Why First-Name Basis Feels Uncomfortable

퍼스트네임 부르기가 어색한 이유

Articles

Navigating Cultural Nuances: The Art of Addressing People by Their First Names

Videos

How to Address People in English the RIGHT Way (greetings for the workplace)[Cross Cultural Coaching] 2 Using Names

Discussion Questions

In your own words, please briefly summarize the article.

여러분의 언어로 교재를 간단히 요약해 주세요.

What part of the reading resonated with you most?

이번 교재에서 가장 공감하는 내용은 무엇인가요?

How do you usually address people at work or school in your culture?

여러분의 문화에서는 직장이나 학교에서 보통 사람들을 어떻게 부르나요?

When did you first notice that using first names in English felt uncomfortable or unfamiliar?

영어에서 이름(first name)으로 부르는 것이 어색하거나 낯설게 느껴졌던 순간은 언제였나요?

What emotions do you feel when someone asks you to call them by their first name?

누군가가 이름으로 불러 달라고 요청할 때, 어떤 감정이 드시나요?

The article says titles provide structure and safety. Do you agree based on your experience?

글에서는 직함이나 호칭이 관계에 구조와 안정감을 준다고 말합니다. 여러분의 경험에 의한다면 이 말에 동의하시나요?

Have you ever hesitated to start a conversation because you were unsure how to address someone?

상대방을 어떻게 불러야 할지 몰라 대화를 시작하는 것을 망설였던 적이 있으신가요?

How does using titles versus first names change the feeling of a conversation for you?

직함을 사용할 때와 이름을 사용할 때, 대화의 분위기는 어떻게 달라진다고 느끼시나요?

In your experience, what does using a first name signal in English-speaking workplaces?

여러분의 경험상, 영어권 직장에서 이름으로 부르는 것은 어떤 의미를 전달한다고 생각하시나요?

Q10

Have you noticed any misunderstandings caused by different ways of addressing people?

사람을 부르는 방식의 차이 때문에 생긴 오해를 겪어본 적이 있으신가요?

Q11

Do you think it is easier to adjust to first-name culture over time? Why or why not?

시간이 지날수록 이름 중심의 문화에 더 쉽게 적응할 수 있다고 생각하시나요? 그 이유는 무엇인가요?

Q12

How do your personal values influence the way you address others in professional settings?

여러분의 개인적인 가치관은 직업적인 상황에서 다른 사람을 부르는 방식에 어떤 영향을 미치나요?

Q13

If you have a question or questions that you'd like to discuss during your class, please write them down.

궁금한 점이 있거나 수업 중에 얘기해 보고 싶은 질문이 있으면 적어주세요.

Expressions

long-standing

having existed or continued for a long time

Example

The company has a long-standing reputation for quality.

Example

There is a long-standing tradition of respecting elders in many cultures.

hierarchy

a system in which people or positions are ranked according to status or authority

Example

Most organizations operate within a clear hierarchy.

Example

Understanding workplace hierarchy helps avoid misunderstandings.

attentiveness

the quality of paying close attention; being considerate and responsive

Example

Her attentiveness to detail improved the quality of her work.

Example

Good customer service requires attentiveness to clients’ needs.

mutual

shared by two or more people; felt or done by each side

Example

Trust must be mutual to build a strong relationship.

Example

They reached a mutual agreement after long discussions.

*This material is designed for the exclusive use of Ringle students on the Ringle platform.

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