Korean First Person Pronoun
If I wanted to say "my family" to someone who was not in my family, why would I use 우리(plain plural possessive) instead of 내(plain singular possessive)? If the person I'm talking to doesn't belong in my family why use the plural possessive?

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Answer

As you think, actually it doesn't make sense. :)
But, Koreans have very strong national consciousness.
That's why we use the word '우리' even though people who are not included are in a conversation.

Answer

Exactly why, I can't answer. I've found it easier to just accept it as a part of their thinking. But if it helps, even in English you use "our family" to people outside your family if someone else from your family is a part, or involved in the topic, of the conversation. Imagine you and your sister/brother having a conversation with someone else and you want to refer to your mom, what would you say? "Our mom" of course. So maybe it isn't as far fetched as one would think?

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