Northand South Koreans face a widening language gap caused by 70 years of separa-组卷网

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North and South Koreans face a widening language gap caused by 70 years of separation. That is creating some communication problems for the two countries’ first joint Olympic team as it prepares for 2018 Winter Games in Pyeong Chang. South Korea So, the joint women’s hockey team has created its own dictionary. The three-page document translates important hockey terms from English into South Korean, and then into North Korean.

Canadian Sarah Murray is the team’s coach. She says the document has helped everybody communicate. Team Korea was formed just two weeks ago after the two Koreas decided to suddenly cooperate during the Olympics. Twelve players from North Korea were then added to the 23-member South Korean team.

South Korea has incorporated many English words and phrases into its language. North Korea has removed foreign words and created substitutes from Korean words. To many South Koreans, the substitutes sound funny.

Language experts say about one-third of the everyday words used in the two countries are different. The divide is wider with technical language, like that used for medical and sports industries. For example, South Korean hockey players use the English word “pass,” but their North Korean teammates say “yeol lak” or “communication.” North Koreans say “nahl gay soo”meaning “wing player.” South Koreans call that position “wing,” like in English. South Koreans say “block shot” while North Koreans say “buhduh make ”or “stretching to block.”

Murray admits that there are still some problems in communication even with the new dictionary. She said her South Korean assistant coach plays an important part in bridging the divide. Some in South Korea have criticized the partnership. They argue that the addition of players from North Korea players may prevent South Korean players from playing as much. One early public opinion study found that about 70 percent of South Koreans opposed the joint team.

However, that opposition appears to be lessening as the Olympics near.

【小题1】What factor mainly causes the communication barriers for North and South Joint Hockey Team?

A．The team was suddenly formed in a hurry.

B．They are devoted to preparing the Winter Olympics.

C．There exists a gap between the two language.

D．They have been separated from each other for 70 years.

【小题2】Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A．South Korean players are so critical of the joint Olympic team.

B．There are altogether 35 players in the joint Olympic team.

C．Murray from Canada doubts the three-page document in their communication.

D．North Korean assistant coach plays an important role in their communication.

【小题3】How do the joint team solve the communication problems?