社交英语口语视频(中级)109 Family Motto

Mina

What are some things that you have never done in your entire life?

Mina

For example, I'll tell you what mine is.

Mina

My family motto is "Don't lie, be honest",...

Mina

...so, all my life I have tried not to lie in any case.

Alex

What's a family motto?

Alex

I've heard about a company motto, or a program motto,...

Alex

...but never about a "family motto".

Alex

Is that something like precepts?

Mina

Yes, what could be the best way to say this?

Mina

It provides family members with the guidelines and precepts for behavior.

Mina

You know, Korean families regard a family bond as very important.

Mina

We all think what we do and how we behave represents the whole family,...

Mina

...so it is very important to set a rule or motto...

Mina

...and keep the behavior to remind family members to behave accordingly.

Mina

Some families have their mottos passed down from their ancestors,...

Mina

...and some make up their own.

Mina

Is there such a thing in your country, or any other western society?

Alex

Like you said, I think mottos are related to a collective society.

Alex

Most western countries including where I am from, focus on individual behavior.

Alex

In other words, a person stands out for himself.

Alex

Others don't link him or her with their other family members.

Alex

But if I were to have a family motto,...

Alex

...I would choose something like "Do your best or try your hardest."