The Language Spoken in North Korea
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), primarily speaks Korean. The version of Korean spoken in North Korea is referred to as "Chosŏnmal" or "Chosŏnŏ" (조선어), which distinguishes it from the South Korean variant, "Hangugeo" (한국어). While both North and South Korea share the same linguistic roots, decades of separation have led to notable differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
Differences Between North and South Korean
Vocabulary: North Korea has purged many foreign loanwords, particularly those from English and Chinese, replacing them with purely Korean alternatives. For example, "computer" in South Korea is "컴퓨터" (keompyuteo), a transliteration of the English word, while North Korea uses "전자계산기" (jeonjagyesangi), meaning "electronic calculator."
Pronunciation: Some sounds differ slightly, with North Korean Korean maintaining older pronunciations that have shifted in the South. For instance, the North pronounces "리" (ri) in some words, while the South often changes it to "이" (i).
Grammar and Honorifics: North Korea has simplified some honorific forms compared to the more complex system still in use in South Korea. Political influence has also led to ideological phrases becoming a formal part of the language.
Influence of Politics on Language
The North Korean government closely controls the development and standardization of the Korean language within the country. The language is shaped by ideology, with specific terminology used to glorify the ruling Kim family and socialist ideals. For instance, many terms related to leadership and governance are unique to North Korea and reflect the country's political environment.
Writing System
North Korea uses Hangul (한글), the Korean alphabet, which was developed in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great. Unlike South Korea, which sometimes mixes in Chinese characters (Hanja, 한자) in academic and legal texts, North Korea has completely eliminated their use since the 1940s.
Conclusion
The Korean language in North Korea remains distinct due to decades of isolation and government intervention. While it shares a common history with the language spoken in South Korea, political, cultural, and linguistic policies have created noticeable differences. Despite these variations, North and South Koreans can still largely understand each other, emphasizing their shared linguistic heritage.
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