People often use the term “Korean language” to refer to either North Korean or South Korean, but it’s interesting to note that the two countries actually speak different dialects of the same language. The two distinct dialects are known as Standard Korean and Pyongyang Korean respectively, though Korean is the common language.
To understand the difference between the two types of Korean, it’s important to look at the historical roots and the differences between North and South Korea. North and South Korea have been divided since the end of World War II and the Korean War, which led to the establishment of two separate states. North Korea is an authoritarian regime while South Korea is a democratic one, resulting in different cultural and political influences.
Korean is a language spoken by millions of people across both North and South Korea. The language is a part of the Ural-Altaic language family and is also spoken in areas of China and beyond. It is a language of the eastern Asian region and has five official dialects, although two of the dialects — Standard and Pyongyang — are the dominant ones.
Standard Korean is spoken in South Korea and is based on the dialect of the capital city, Seoul. It is the language of official documents, government, and formal education. Many of the words used are loaned from other languages such as Japanese or Chinese.
Pyongyang Korean is a dialect spoken in the North Korean capital and the surrounding areas. Compared to Standard Korean, it contains a large amount of words and phrases borrowed from the local North Korean dialects. Word pronunciations also differ substantially between the two languages. However, despite the differences, both North and South Koreans are able to understand each other as the two dialects are very similar.
Experts assert that the two dialects of Korean are mutually intelligible, but have significant differences in their pronunciations and vocabularies. It has been reported that conversation between North and South Koreans can be challenging and require more effort. Furthermore, the North Korean dialect is said to be almost impossible to learn given the difficulty of gaining access to North Korea.
The main difference between the two dialects of Korean is the spelling of words. In South Korea, words are spelt using the Romanized alphabet, whereas North Korea uses its own alphabet, known as Hangul. For instance, the South Korean ‘teacher’ is spelt 교사, whereas in North Korea it is written 선생. There are also grammar and syntax differences between the two dialects, with North Korean using a more formal style of speech.
Language has always been important in Korean society and culture. For many years, language has been used as a way to differentiate between North and South Korea and there have been efforts to bridge the divide by teaching the two dialects in the same classrooms.
It is clear that although North and South Korea speak the same language, they have developed distinct dialects with unique features. While North and South Koreans can generally understand each other, they often require more effort to fully understand one another. These differences can lead to communication barriers, but they can also be a source of pride and cultural identity.
Words Borrowed From Other Languages
When examining the Standard and Pyongyang dialects of Korean, it is evident that certain words were borrowed from other languages. This is largely due to the language’s ties to other countries, such as Japan and China. In fact, several older South Korean words come from the Japanese language, whilst newer words are usually shared among the two dialects of Korean. For example, the South Korean word for “computer” is 컴퓨터, which is borrowed from the Japanese コンピューター. This is the same in the North Korean dialect too. Meanwhile, the South Korean word for “captain” is 선장, which is borrowed from the Chinese 船長. However, the North Korean word for the same word is 준배.
The use of borrowed words has allowed both dialects of Korean to adopt a variety of new words and phrases as time has gone on. It has also meant that despite the differences in pronunciation and vocabulary between Standard Korean and Pyongyang Korean, both dialects can still communicate and understand each other.
Impact of North and South Korean Political Differences
The differences between North and South Korea have resulted in different dialects of the same language. The two countries have different political and cultural systems which have impacted the different dialects of Korean over the years. For example, North Korea adopted aspects of communism and socialism in the 1950s which saw some words and phrases replace their traditional equivalents. Furthermore, the South Korean government encouraged the use of foreign words in order to modernize the language.
These political differences have resulted in the dialects of Korean diverging over the years. For instance, South Korea is known for its rapid modernization, which has resulted in its language becoming more complex and dynamic compared to North Korean. Differences in the standardization of language have also become more apparent between the two dialects.
Teaching Both Dialects of Korean in Schools
In an effort to bridge the gap between North and South Korea, there have been moves to teach both dialects in schools. Increasingly, both Standard and Pyongyang Korean are taught in South Korean schools, allowing South Koreans to become increasingly familiar with the North Korean dialect. Furthermore, the South Korean government spends money on a number of programs which promote South and North Korean unification through language.
The teaching of both dialects in school is important for helping South Koreans to better understand North Koreans and vice versa. It is a step in the right direction to unifying the two countries and could go some way in helping North and South Koreans to bridge the gap.
Preserving The Two Dialects of Korean
The dialects of Korean are an important part of the culture and heritage of both North and South Korea and therefore need to be preserved. South Korean has enjoyed a period of rapid modernisation in recent decades and as a result, has seen a huge influx of loan words and new concepts. On the other hand, North Korean has remained largely unchanged and the Pyongyang dialect remains close to the old Korean language.
For instance, South Korean speakers often talk about technology in terms of ‘convenience’ and ‘smartness’. Whereas North Koreans will use more traditional terms to talk about technology such as ‘tangible’ and ‘useful’. This type of language distinction shows how words and concepts can be preserved by using the regional dialects.
The Significance of Language for Cultural Identity
The dialects of Korean are an important part of the national identity of both North and South Korea. Language is often seen as a key component of cultural identity and it is the nuanced differences between the Korean dialects that make the language so unique and special. Whether it is Standard Korean with its modern elements, or Pyongyang Korean with its traditional roots, the two languages have influenced and shaped both North and South Korea in different ways.
For instance, language is used to express identity and culture in North and South Korea. Words and phrases that are unique to one country’s dialect can be used to show solidarity with a particular group or to produce a feeling of being part of a particular culture. People may use words, phrases and expressions that are linked to their nationality when communicating and this helps to further strengthen cultural identity.
The Future of the Korean Language
It is difficult to predict what the future holds for the two dialects of Korean. However, one thing is certain — the language will continue to evolve over time. As North and South Korea open up to outsiders, it is highly likely that the dialects will move closer to each other. This would be beneficial for communications between the two countries, as well as for linguists looking to understand the language.
Despite the differences between North and South Korea, there is still a sense of unity in Korean language and culture. Korean is a language that binds the two countries together and despite their political differences, both nations share a common language. As the language continues to evolve, North and South Korea will retain their unique dialects and cultural identities.
