North Korea Emphasizes Use of 'Pyongyang Dialect,' Calling Unusual Speech Patterns Ideological Deviation

North Korea Adopts Pyongyang Munhwaeo Protection Law in January
Prison for Using South Korean Dialect... Death Penalty for Teaching It

North Korea emphasized the use of 'Pyongyang Munhwaeo' (Pyongyang cultural language), stating that people who use 'peculiar' speech patterns or intonations are ideologically corrupted. It appears to have launched strict controls, viewing language use in daily life as directly linked to 'regime protection.'

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, stressed on the 2nd in an article titled "Our Excellent Language and Writing," that "careless language use is never a matter to be taken lightly."

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[Image source=Yonhap News]

The newspaper argued, "When we see people using vulgar and uncultured words in their language life, or even speaking with rustic and peculiar speech patterns and intonations, we can tell that they are ideologically and spiritually corrupted or lack cultivation because they neither read books nor engage in cultural and emotional life." This suggests that North Korean authorities, viewing the language situation as an indicator of 'ideological armament,' have begun cracking down on 'South Korean-style speech.'

It further stated, "If such phenomena are left as they are, it will be impossible to thoroughly establish a sound socialist lifestyle throughout society, and we will not be able to firmly protect the socialist system, which is our life and livelihood." It repeatedly urged, "Everyone, whether speaking a word or writing a sentence, must base it on Pyongyang Munhwaeo, overflowing with the spirit of Korean ethnic supremacy, while reflecting the pride and dignity of our people."

In January this year, North Korea adopted the 'Pyongyang Munhwaeo Protection Law' at the Supreme People's Assembly and announced plans to strengthen crackdowns on foreign-style speech, including South Korean language. For example, calling a lover 'oppa' or 'jagiya' has been targeted, and names like 'Sora' and 'Gahee' have been defined as South Korean-style names, with forced name changes imposed. It is known that the Pyongyang Munhwaeo Protection Law stipulates imprisonment for six years or more for using South Korean language, and the death penalty for teaching it.