The question of Norway’s main language is surprisingly complex, reflecting a rich linguistic history and a unique approach to national identity. Unlike many nations with a single, dominant official tongue, Norway officially recognizes two written forms of the Norwegian language: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Beyond these, a significant indigenous language, Sami, also holds a protected status. Understanding these distinctions is crucial to appreciating the linguistic landscape of this Scandinavian country.
The Two Faces of Norwegian: Bokmål and Nynorsk
The existence of two distinct written standards for Norwegian stems from historical developments and differing socio-political perspectives in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Both Bokmål and Nynorsk are considered mutually intelligible, meaning speakers of one can generally understand speakers of the other, though some effort and adaptation may be required. This duality is not a sign of division but rather a testament to Norway’s commitment to preserving its diverse linguistic heritage.
Bokmål: The “Book Language”
Bokmål, which translates to “book language,” is the most widely used written form of Norwegian. Its origins can be traced back to Dano-Norwegian, the language of administration and literature during Norway’s union with Denmark (from the 14th century until 1814). Following Norway’s independence, a significant effort was made to “Norwegianize” Danish, leading to the development of Bokmål.
Grammar and Vocabulary: Bokmål retains many features of Danish, particularly in its vocabulary and grammatical structures. However, it has also incorporated Norwegian elements, especially in pronunciation and some verb conjugations. For instance, verb endings in Bokmål often align more closely with Norwegian pronunciation than their Danish predecessors.
Usage and Prevalence: Bokmål is the default language taught in schools in most parts of Norway, particularly in urban areas and in the eastern and northern regions. It is the language of the majority of Norwegian literature, media, and official publications. Surveys consistently show that a significantly larger percentage of the population uses Bokmål as their primary written form, often estimated to be around 85-90%. This dominance is a result of historical factors, educational policies, and the sheer number of people who grew up with and were educated in this form.
Evolution and Reforms: Bokmål has undergone several orthographic reforms throughout the 20th century, aimed at simplifying spelling and further distancing it from Danish. These reforms have sometimes been controversial, sparking debates about the direction of the language and its perceived “Norwegianness.” Despite these discussions, Bokmål continues to be a living, evolving language.
Nynorsk: The “New Norwegian”
Nynorsk, meaning “New Norwegian,” represents a conscious effort to create a written language based on the dialects of western Norway, particularly those spoken in areas that had experienced less Danish influence. The driving force behind Nynorsk was the linguist Ivar Aasen, who, in the mid-19th century, embarked on an ambitious project to collect and analyze Norwegian dialects. He aimed to synthesize these dialects into a new, unified written language that he believed was a more authentic reflection of Norway’s linguistic roots.
Grammar and Vocabulary: Nynorsk draws heavily from the rural dialects of Norway, emphasizing their distinct grammatical features, such as more varied verb conjugations and pronoun forms, and a vocabulary richer in native Norwegian words. Its structure is designed to be more consistent with the spoken language of many Norwegians than Bokmål, which some argue has retained more foreign influences.
Usage and Prevalence: While Nynorsk is officially recognized and has parity with Bokmål, its usage is more geographically concentrated. It is predominantly used in certain western and southwestern regions of Norway, as well as in some rural areas in other parts of the country. Municipalities are often classified as either “language municipalities” where Bokmål is the primary standard, Nynorsk is the primary standard, or “neutral” where both are used. Nynorsk is used by a smaller but significant portion of the population, estimated to be around 10-15%.
Cultural Significance and Support: Despite its smaller user base, Nynorsk holds considerable cultural significance. It is supported by government policies, including quotas for its use in media and education. Many argue that the existence and promotion of Nynorsk are vital for maintaining Norway’s linguistic diversity and ensuring that all Norwegian dialects have a voice in the national discourse. The vibrant Nynorsk literature scene, though smaller than that of Bokmål, contributes unique perspectives and artistic expressions to Norwegian culture.
The Indigenous Voice: Sami Languages
Beyond the two official written standards of Norwegian, the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, have their own distinct languages. In Norway, there are several Sami languages, with Northern Sami being the most widely spoken. These languages are not dialects of Norwegian but are part of a separate language family, Uralic, specifically the Finno-Ugric branch.
Linguistic Diversity: The Sami language family itself is complex, with significant differences between various Sami languages. Northern Sami, spoken by the majority of Sami people in Norway, is the most common, but there are also Lule Sami, Southern Sami, and others, each with its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Official Status and Protection: Sami languages are recognized as official languages in several municipalities in northern Norway. This recognition entails rights to use Sami in communication with public authorities, in kindergartens, and in schools. The Norwegian government actively works to protect and promote Sami languages through various initiatives, including language centers, educational programs, and support for media in Sami.
Challenges and Revitalization: Despite these efforts, Sami languages face challenges, including historical suppression, assimilation policies, and a declining number of speakers, particularly among younger generations. However, there is a growing movement for language revitalization, with increased efforts to teach Sami in schools, create new media content, and foster intergenerational language transmission. The preservation of Sami languages is seen as crucial for maintaining Sami cultural identity and heritage.
Language in Daily Life and Education
The duality of Bokmål and Nynorsk has a tangible impact on daily life in Norway, particularly in education and public administration. The Norwegian Language Council (Språkrådet) plays a significant role in guiding the development and standardization of both written forms.
Education System
Norway’s education system is designed to accommodate both Bokmål and Nynorsk. Students are taught in the primary written form prevalent in their municipality. In many schools, particularly those in “language municipalities” where Nynorsk is the official standard, instruction is conducted in Nynorsk. In Bokmål-dominant areas, Bokmål is the language of instruction.
Furthermore, students are generally exposed to the other written form through mandatory subjects. This exposure ensures that all Norwegians have a working knowledge of both Bokmål and Nynorsk, contributing to the mutual intelligibility between speakers of the two standards. The choice of written form can also be a personal one, with individuals often developing a preference for one over the other based on upbringing, education, and personal conviction.
Media and Publishing
The media landscape in Norway reflects the linguistic duality. Most national newspapers and broadcasters primarily use Bokmål due to its wider reach. However, there are prominent media outlets that exclusively publish and broadcast in Nynorsk, serving their dedicated audience. This includes newspapers, radio stations, and television programs.
The publishing industry also caters to both standards. While Bokmål dominates the book market, Nynorsk literature continues to thrive, offering diverse voices and perspectives. Government policies often encourage the publication of works in Nynorsk to ensure its continued presence in the literary sphere.
Official Administration
Public administration in Norway is also sensitive to the linguistic landscape. Municipalities have the right to declare their official language policy, leading to variations in how official documents and services are provided. In municipalities with a strong Nynorsk tradition, official communications, forms, and websites are often available in Nynorsk. Similarly, in Bokmål-dominant municipalities, Bokmål is the primary language. This ensures that citizens can interact with public services in their preferred written form.
Conclusion: A Mosaic of Language
Norway’s linguistic landscape is far from monolithic. The coexistence of Bokmål and Nynorsk, alongside the protected Sami languages, creates a rich and complex linguistic mosaic. This is not a sign of linguistic fragmentation but rather a testament to Norway’s inclusive approach to language, valuing both historical continuity and the preservation of distinct regional and indigenous identities. The ongoing evolution and active support for these various linguistic forms underscore a national commitment to ensuring that all voices within Norway have the means to be heard and understood. Understanding these nuances is key to truly appreciating the cultural and social fabric of this unique Scandinavian nation.