Title: Portrayals of Non-North Koreans in North Korean Textbooks and the Formation of National Identity
Abstract: Abstract Abstract This article examines the portrayal of non-North Koreans in North Korean textbooks to assess the influences on the formation of North Korean identity, and how such identity formation is important in Kim Jeong-il's retention of power. This study not only looks closely at textual representations; it also examines how political and ideological changes in North Korea had a critical influence on these texts. The study encompasses both lexico-grammatical analysis and the analysis of textual and visual images, based on an examination of six North Korean language textbooks published from 1954 to 2000. It demonstrates that North Korean identity is defined through the portrayal of non-North Koreans, particularly enemy others. The portrayal of non-North Koreans facilitates the formation of a solid North Korean identity – an identity that entails serving their political leaders, remaining vigilant against threats to their country, and liberating South Koreans from poverty and oppression by America and its puppet states. Keywords: North Koreanationalismidentity formationKim Jeong-iltextbookspersonality cultnon-North Koreans Notes 1. Leader of North Korea until his death in 1994. 2. Current leader of North Korea. 3. Chongryeon is the representative organisation of North Korean residents in Japan, and is well known for providing money to the ailing regime in the North. 4. Ajeossi is a respectful term that refers to a male adult who is a relative or close friend; here it refers to the USSR soldiers. 5. Adongdanwon[child guerrillas]. North Korea claims that these children helped Kim Il-seong in his resistance activities. 6. North Korea sent special forces to the residence of the South Korean president, the Blue House, on 21 January 1968 to kill him. The attempt failed. 7. Heo is a Korean surname. This American missionary apparently adopted a Korean surname. 8. In the “wounded” game, people pretend to be wounded, and instructions written on paper explain [to other players] the nature of their “wounds” and how to treat them. 9. Leading a military coup in 1961, Park Chung Hee became the president of South Korea (1963–79) and developed the South Korean economy rapidly. Although he suppressed democracy and was later assassinated by the leader of the Korean Intelligence Agency, he is the most respected of all South Korean presidents. 10. The Yushin Constitution stressed political stability and the unity of South Koreans against the threat of North Korea. It also introduced indirect presidential elections, which facilitated Park's election as South Korean president. 11. Chun Doo Hwan led a military coup in 1979 and became the president of South Korea (1981–87). Many civilians were massacred in Gwangju under his leadership in 1980.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-09-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 18
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