Anonymous — Family questionnaire

The questionnaireanswers as written; unanswered questions are not shown

What languages get spoken in your house, and who speaks which to whom?

Korean, English, sometimes Mandarin. I speak Korean to my grandparents, parents, and siblings. But I speak more english with my siblings.

Describe a normal weeknight dinner at your house.

Rice, beef (usually) it's crazy how uncommon it is to serve beef in the states, sometimes fish, side dishes (like kimchi, bean sprout, soy sauce cucumber, seasoned vegetables, and a lot more). We almost never have chicken, which is most commonly consumed in America.

Is there a dish your family makes that you have never seen anywhere else?

My mom makes "Galbijim" which is like beef stew or braised beef short ribs with radish, carrots, and with its rich, savory, slightly sweet sauce. I don't see this in many other countries.

What is in your kitchen that would not be in most of your friends' kitchens?

We always have a container full of cucumber kimchi and cabbage kimchi. There are different types of kimchi and all are very distinct from one another (even in the slightest ways).

Where does your family food shop, and how far do they drive to do it?

There are small to big markets everywhere in Korea so it is really easy to get fresh organic ingredients. There's multiple at a walkable distance near where we live.

Is there a word or phrase your family uses at home that does not really translate?

"Noon-Chi" is almost but not entirely equivalent to "social awareness" or one's ability to read the room. This word is used very often in the house, for it is crucial to be able to comprehend our surroundings, and from understanding strive to be respectful.

Held, not published

• Contributor's contact details (never published).

Editorial notes

• A Korean student at an American school whose family remains in Korea. Kept for the same reason as TOH-009: the questions were answered and consent given.