Abstract

This paper, in its exploration of the character and characteristics of North Korean sign language dictionaries, identifies five such texts currently in existence: ⓐSign Language Dictionary(2005, 2,395 items); ⓑSign Language Learning(2005, 535 items); ⓒChosun Sign Language Cards(2009, 106 items); ⓓSign Language Dictionary(2019, 4,018 items); and ©Korean Sign Language & Choseon Sign Language Dictionary(2021, 497 items). These dictionaries reveal various semantic relations between the headwords, which differ not only in initial sound laws and notations but also exhibit non-standard forms, many unique to North Korea. The positive attributes of the dictionaries include connectivity, accessibility, and reader-friendliness. However, several issues are noted, including inconsistencies between indicators and contexts, the readability of manual expressions, insufficient information, and an overemphasis on the spoken-language perspective, among other concerns. Additionally, the rate of correspondence between South Korean and North Korean sign language found in ⓔ varies significantly: 90 of the 497 basic lexical items (18.11%) used in daily life correspond completely; 59 items (11.87%) correspond partially; and 348 items (70.02%) show no correspondence at all. In conclusion, this study finds that the discrepancies between South Korean and North Korean lexical items are greater than anticipated. Therefore, the compilation of a Great Sign Language Dictionary of Korea, designed to benefit users in both regions, is highly recommended.