Most people may be surprised to learn that there are two Norwegian languages: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Not dialects, mind you, but officially recognized and taught forms of Norwegian. Norway’s unique linguistic situation sparks fascination among linguists and language enthusiasts worldwide, as it is quite unusual for a country to have two officially recognized forms of the same language. This article explores this intriguing topic, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution, differences, and ongoing debate surrounding these two versions of Norwegian.
The History of Two Languages
To understand how Norway ended up with two forms of its language, we must travel back to the 14th century. During this time, Norway became part of a union with Denmark, which continued until 1814. As a result of this long political and cultural connection, the Danish language heavily influenced Norwegian, particularly in written form. This Danish-influenced written language became what we now know as Bokmål, or “book language.”
When Norway gained its independence in 1814, it sparked a national renaissance, seeking to redefine Norwegian identity and culture. Part of this renaissance was linguistic. A philologist named Ivar Aasen embarked on a mission to create a new written language that was closer to the traditional Norwegian dialects spoken across the country. After years of research, Aasen introduced Nynorsk, or “New Norwegian,” in the mid-19th century.
Bokmål and Nynorsk: The Differences
Bokmål and Nynorsk are primarily different in their written forms. They share a high degree of mutual intelligibility when spoken, but their orthography, vocabulary, and some grammatical rules vary.
Bokmål, the more widely used form, shows a significant influence from Danish in its vocabulary and sentence structure. Most Norwegians, especially in urban areas like Oslo, use Bokmål in their daily communication, both spoken and written. It’s also the main form used in business, media, and literature.
On the other hand, Nynorsk, which is closer to Old Norwegian and less influenced by Danish, reflects the rural dialects of western Norway. Its vocabulary and grammar are different from Bokmål’s, often more challenging for learners who started with Bokmål. However, Nynorsk holds immense cultural significance as it preserves Norway’s linguistic heritage.
Dual Language Policy
Since 1885, both Bokmål and Nynorsk have been recognized as official written standards in Norway. The Norwegian government follows a dual language policy, which means official public documents should be available in both forms.
In schools, children learn to write in one of the languages first, typically Bokmål, but they must also learn to read the other. In some rural areas, especially western Norway, children may start with Nynorsk. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that every Norwegian is capable of understanding both forms.
The Great Language Debate
The coexistence of two written standards of the same language has, unsurprisingly, led to debates. Critics of the dual language policy argue that it complicates the language learning process for children. There are also concerns about the administrative and economic burden of maintaining two languages.
However, proponents of the policy believe it helps preserve Norway’s linguistic diversity and cultural identity. They see Nynorsk as a symbol of Norway’s independence and an essential link to its historical and cultural roots.
The debate around language reform in Norway is ongoing, with some advocating for a more simplified version of Bokmål or the development of a unified written language, often referred to as Samnorsk. However, such proposals have been met with strong resistance, especially from Nynorsk users, who see it as a threat to their cultural heritage.
Conclusion
So, are there two Norwegian languages? Yes, there are two official written standards – Bokmål and Nynorsk. However, it is essential to understand that this does not equate to two completely distinct languages but rather two different ways to write and sometimes speak the same language. The existence of these two forms is deeply rooted in Norway’s history, culture, and ongoing efforts to preserve linguistic diversity.
Regardless of the debates surrounding this unique linguistic situation, it’s a testament to Norway’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to celebrate diversity in all forms. As it stands, the future of Norwegian languages remains intertwined with the country’s identity, culture, and political evolution. Norway’s dual language phenomenon continues to fascinate linguists and language enthusiasts around the world, and it undoubtedly contributes to the country’s distinct charm.
