Norwegian
Norwegian is both a North Germanic language and the term used for citizens of Norway. Here's a detailed look:
Language
The Norwegian language has two official written standards:
- Bokmål - Developed from Danish and influenced by Dano-Norwegian, it's the more commonly used form, especially in urban areas.
- Nynorsk - Constructed by Ivar Aasen in the mid-19th century, it aims to reflect the spoken dialects of rural Norway more closely.
These standards coexist, with Bokmål being more prevalent in the eastern part of Norway and Nynorsk in the west. There are also numerous dialects, some of which are mutually intelligible with other Scandinavian languages.
History
- Old Norse - The language from which Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish evolved. It was used in the Viking Age.
- Middle Norwegian - After the Black Death, Norway's population significantly decreased, leading to increased influence from Danish due to the political union with Denmark.
- Dano-Norwegian - From the 16th to 19th century, Norwegian was heavily influenced by Danish, especially in writing.
- Language Reforms - The 19th century saw efforts to develop a distinct Norwegian language:
- Ivar Aasen created Nynorsk.
- Knut Knudsen and others worked on evolving Dano-Norwegian into what would become Bokmål.
- Modern Norwegian - Since the 19th century, there have been numerous reforms to standardize and develop the language, reflecting national identity and linguistic diversity.
Cultural Context
Norwegian culture and identity are closely tied to its language:
- Literature - Norwegian literature has flourished with authors like Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun.
- Folklore - Norwegian folklore, including stories of trolls and other mythical creatures, has influenced both language and culture.
- National Identity - The language reflects Norway's history of independence, with both Nynorsk and Bokmål symbolizing different aspects of national pride and identity.
Sources
Related Topics