Korean Job Discussion Forums

[superacidjax]

Does anyone know of any simple Korean words and perhaps how to pronounce them in a North Korean accent? I'm very interested in just a basic understanding of the sound differences between the two languages. My Korean knowledge is limited, but I can read Hangul, so perhaps if someone knowledgeable could type a simple word and type out the contrasting pronunciation, that would be really great. For example, in the deep US South, the word "thing" is often pronounced "THANG." In Minnesota, "magazine" is often pronounced "MAY-ga-zine" as opposed to "MA-gazine." I'm not a linguistics expert and don't pretend to be, I am just curious about how the North Koreans sound different.

I know that North Korean tends to sound very "old" compared to the South. I've been told in the past that their version of Korean sounds a bit like our Middle English "Thou and Thy, etc." Anyone care to elaborate or point me in the right direction?

Also, does anyone know where one might be able to hear North Korean? I realize that there are some radio broadcasts that can be picked up near the DMZ from the North, but I wouldn't be able to tell if it's from the North or South. Is there any internet broadcast of any of the North K propaganda speeches?

I am starting a Korean course to refresh my already limited knowledge, but after a few years of study, I want to be able to understand stuff from the North. Korean is hard enough (for me,) so I imagine it will be an extra challenge to be able to interpret or translate NK Korean.

Thanks for any constructive help!

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BD

[Ukon]

They also use different words for many new things becuase they don't use the western name for them like south koreans do.....Helicopter will be some made up korean word for helicopter in the north for instance.

[superacidjax]

Here's a great article on the NK version of Korean:

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-03-16-voa49.cfm

I realize that I'm answering some of my own question, but I thought I might share a little of what I've found in case anyone else is interested.

[superacidjax]

Ukon: I heard something similar about words like "radio." Apparently, their word for radio is something to the effect of "box that talks" or something like that. It seems, based on my very limited investigation, that the North uses language for new technology much like someone with limited language knowledge will talk around an item.

For instance, in French, I used to not be able to talk about certain things using accurate vocabulary, so I'd come up with a construction to be understood. In simplistic terms, something like "I need to send an overnight package at the post office" might be said like, "I want to go to the office where I can send something very fast." Not the best example, but you get the idea.

I know there are Korean defectors living all over the South, it would be really cool to actually take some Korean lessons from them! Although, I'm certain that locating a person like that would be nearly impossible.

[nosmallplans]

It's my understanding that it's mostly vocabulary difference.

My family immigrated nearly straight from North Korea to the United States so even amongst other Koreans I find that they do not recognize a lot of the words I use to describe food, for example.

Down in the south we use 'pajun' where as in the north they would use 'ji-jim' to describe green onion pancakes.

[jvalmer]

There is a significant population of NKers in the South. Unfortunately, the vast majority are 60 or older and are slowly dying off.

Try watching some of those docs on NK on youtube. When they speak they usually speak with the Pyongyang dialect.

[FMPJ]

The DPRK word for underwear transliterates as "embarrassment coverer"

[superacidjax]

Great stuff everyone! I really appreciate your input on this thread. It seems like when posting on Dave's there's often an overdose of sarcasm and attempted wit.. It's refreshing to have the chance to learn something from you guys, without being pounded into the ground with useless drivel.

I appreciate sarcasm as much as the next person, but I enjoy actually being able to leverage the vast diversity on this board to learn something useful. If I want to hear smart-a__es, I can just talk to myself.

Thanks again.


BTW, embarrassment coverer.. that's hilarious! I'll check out some YouTube and see what I find..

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BD

[CentralCali]

Which North Korean dialect? The Etnologue page for North Korea lists three dialects.

[ernie]

i'd take 'embarrassment coverer' over 'panties' any day of the week!

[blackjack]

here you go

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_language_North-South_differences

Plus the korean lady in the movie Lady in the Water speaks with a North korean accent

[superacidjax]

[ekul]

[superacidjax]

[CentralCali]