North Korea banned tourists from using the words hamburger and karaoke: what are they saying now.

According to inkorr.com: North Korea continues to shock the world with its strict restrictions and rules. Recently, tourists were banned from using the words 'hamburger', 'karaoke', and other borrowed expressions. Guides have been instructed to use only local names and to avoid foreign words during tours.

About 20-30 guides undergo a strict training program conducted by officials from the Human Resources Department of the Workers' Party of Korea in Kangwon Province.

In particular, now instead of 'hamburger', tourists may hear 'daejin-gogi gyeoppan' (double bread with beef filling). Karaoke bars are now called 'screen accompaniment devices'. These are just a few examples of the restrictions on freedom of speech in this state.

Restrictions on the use of foreign words in Russia

However, the restrictions on the use of foreign words are not exclusively a North Korean phenomenon. In Russia, the State Duma passed a draft law in the first reading that bans the use of foreign words in the public sphere, including advertising, media, trade, services, and construction. This creates additional barriers for citizens and supports linguistic protectionism.

Linguist Olga Vasilyeva compiled a list of 200 words that many Ukrainians mistakenly consider Russianisms, although in reality, they are purely Ukrainian.

The situation with the restriction on the use of foreign words for tourists in the DPRK and the adoption of the draft law in Russia indicates the desire of the governments of both countries to preserve and promote their language culture. They emphasize the use of their own terms in everyday life, which can significantly complicate communication for foreigners and those used to using international words.