Korean Dialects - The Standard Language

The Standard Language

  • In South Korea, Standard Korean (표준어/標準語) is defined by the National Institute of the Korean Language as "the modern speech of Seoul widely used by the well-cultivated" (교양있는 사람들이 두루 쓰는 현대 서울말). In practice, it tends not to include features that are found exclusively in Seoul.
  • In North Korea, the accepted official standard is the Munhwaŏ dialect of Seoul, not the P'yŏng'an dialect---contrary to popular belief. Though language in the two Koreas have diverged to some extent, the two standards are still broadly intelligible. One notable feature within the divergence is the North's lack of anglicisms due to isolation and anti-American sentiment----pure/invented Korean words are used in replacement.

Read more about this topic:  Korean Dialects

Famous quotes containing the words standard and/or language:

    There is a certain standard of grace and beauty which consists in a certain relation between our nature, such as it is, weak or strong, and the thing which pleases us. Whatever is formed according to this standard pleases us, be it house, song, discourse, verse, prose, woman, birds, rivers, trees, room, dress, and so on. Whatever is not made according to this standard displeases those who have good taste.
    Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)

    My God! The English language is a form of communication! Conversation isn’t just crossfire where you shoot and get shot at! Where you’ve got to duck for your life and aim to kill! Words aren’t only bombs and bullets—no, they’re little gifts, containing meanings!
    Philip Roth (b. 1933)