대한언어학회 전자저널

Joo, Yunha. (2025). A comparative study of reading passages in English textbooks during the Kim Jong-un era: Focus on the first middle school. The Linguistic Association of Korea Journal, 33(1), 67-87. This study analyzes English language textbooks from elite and general schools in North Korea to understand how the tension between socialist ideology and the cultivation of exceptional talent manifests in educational materials. By examining textbook prefaces, reading passage themes, and readability levels, the research investigates curricular differences and their implications for gifted education. The analysis of the prefaces reveals that elite school textbooks emphasize the superiority of the North Korean socialist system and global knowledge, while general school textbooks prioritize engaging topics relevant to daily life. Thematic analysis of reading passages shows a greater diversity of topics, including world cultures and science, in elite school texts, reflecting a goal to broaden perspectives. General school texts focus more on education, learning strategies, and practical science. Readability analysis reveals a gradual increase in difficulty across grades in elite school textbooks, although levels remain lower than in South Korean schools. General school textbooks show consistently low readability, potentially limiting the academic challenge. These findings highlight the complex interplay between ideological pressures and practical necessities in North Korean education, suggesting that while elite education is prioritized, its implementation remains limitations. Future research on linguistic features could further illuminate pedagogical approaches to students.

# North Korean English textbooks # elite school # the first middle school # senior middle school # reading passages # topic # readability

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