Following the enactment of the Pyongyang Cultural Language Protection Act earlier this year, North Korea is continuing to encourage use of its standard language through state-run media outlets.
On June 22, the country’s most prominent newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, ran an article on page six entitled “Collective Harmony and Refined Everyday Language.” The article claimed that “[embracing] the spirit of refined and civilized language in our linguistic lives [everyday speech] is the first step in developing comrade-like unity and harmony,” and that “families and schools must impress upon the new generation of the excellence of the Pyongyang Cultural Language and encourage them to proactively incorporate it into their linguistic lives.”
The article also emphasized the importance of parents educating children about the use of the Pyongyang Cultural Language at home.
“Mothers play a very important role in making sure that children properly maintain our linguistic culture. All women with children must become intimate supporters and strict educators for their children’s linguistic lives, and guide their children from a young age to properly nurture the unique and special qualities of our language.”
The article also said it was especially important for party cadres to use the Pyongyang Cultural Language.
“Party workers must continuously humble themselves and be sure to speak in a way that conveys love and sincere affection, even when speaking to those in a lower position,” the article said. “Workers must ceaselessly stay humble in front of the masses and set a public example in both their words and actions.
“When people set out to embrace the spirit of refined everyday language in their daily lives and activities, they further strengthen our society’s unity of spirit.”
The government’s push to get people to speak the Pyongyang Cultural Language goes beyond simply encouraging people to use polite language; it is aimed at controlling how people think as expressed through their daily language.
People are subject to harsh punishments for not using correct language
In January of last year, North Korea enacted the “Pyongyang Cultural Language Protection Act,” which prohibited the use of foreign-style speech, including elements of the South Korean dialect.
According to a copy of the full text of the “Pyongyang Cultural Language Protection Act” obtained by Daily NK, Article 6 (The Principles of Legal Punishment Toward People Who Spread the Puppet Language) stipulates that “the State shall treat anyone who imitates or spreads the puppet language as garbage contaminated with puppet culture and as criminals. Anyone, regardless of the seriousness of the matter, shall face serious legal sanctions, including the death penalty.”
Additionally, those found to be using South Korean-style speech in conversation, in writing, or even over text messages can be punished with a life sentence of reform through labor or even the death penalty (Article 58).
In March of this year, two young people in Hyesan were caught speaking in the South Korean style, subjected to public criticism, and sentenced to two years of juvenile re-education.
The regime’s recent emphasis on ideological loyalty among its citizens suggests that it will intensify efforts to promote use of the Pyongyang Cultural Language going forward.
Translated by Rose Adams. Edited by Robert Lauler.
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