“Lagom” in Korea
The Korean language is also written with a beautiful
pictographic script, so that words are combinations of
pictures and concepts. This means that many characters
are open to different interpretations. Perhaps this is
why the written languages of Chinese, Japanese and
Korean have such a vibrant tradition in poetry – from
ancient times to the present day.
In Lagom Sisu Manana I described two Korean concepts
that describe the paradox of Korean society. The
hectic pace of life in Souel compared to the peace and
quiet of a Budhhist temple or Christian church or city
park. ‘Pali pali’ means ‘hurry hurry’, and has been described
as the Korean recipe to the economic miracle.
Kibun means inner state of mind – like mood – and
‘good kibun’ is peaceful, calm and at ease with the
world.
Last week I met some Korean researchers now based
in Sweden, who reminded me of another Korean expression,
which they thought connects to Swedish ‘lagom.’
In Korea ‘Jeo-ung’ means feeling as a part of a
group, and being considerate to the needs of others.
There’s an old interpretation of Swedish ‘lagom’ that
connects the word to just this – being part of a group,
and being considerate to those around you. ‘Lag’ is the
Swedish word for ‘team’, and ‘om’ means ‘around’ or
‘concern for’ – so ‘lagom’ can also mean ‘think about
the group’, an idea that goes back to Viking times.
Just a story?
Maybe. But stories can be a rich source of inspiration
and a way to explore the more positive dimensions of
cultural differences and universal similarities.
For more on ‘untranslatable’ words around the
world, visit:
The website is: www.lagomsisu.com
