Introduction

The languages spoken in the Scandinavian countries have long been a subject of interest and perhaps confusion for many. This article aims to clarify the linguistic landscape of Sweden and Norway, particularly focusing on their official languages, dialects, and writing forms.

Sweden’s Swedish Language

Sweden has its own official language, Swedish. Swedish is spoken by over 9 million people in Sweden, with about 1.3 million Swedish speakers living outside the country in places such as Finland, Germany, and the United States. Swedish is a North Germanic language and is closely related to Norwegian and Danish.

Swedish Dialects

Swedish, like any other language, is characterized by a variety of dialects. These dialects are distinguished based on regional differences, with influences of the local culture, climate, and history. The southern and central parts of Sweden are dominated by Standard Swedish, while the northern parts have their own dialects. For instance, the Lule? dialect and the Sk?ne dialect have unique features that set them apart from the more widely spoken Standard Swedish.

Standard Swedish is the official written standard and is taught in schools. However, the dialects play a significant role in everyday communication and often reflect local pride and identity. For instance, the Sk?ne dialect in southern Sweden and the Troendespr?ket (Street Language) in Stockholm have gained popularity in popular culture and media.

Norway’s Linguistic Landscape

Norway presents a different linguistic picture. Traditionally, Norwegian is considered a single language with around a dozen distinct dialects. However, there are two officially recognized forms of written Norwegian: Bokm?l and Nynorsk. Both forms are used in public administration, education, and the media, but they have different origins and characteristics.

Bokm?l and Nynorsk

Bokm?l, which means “Book Language,” is the most widely used written form with around 85% of Norwegians using it. It has evolved from Danish and became the written standard in the 19th century. Nynorsk, which translates to “New Norwegian,” is based on rural dialects and aims to standardize the Norwegian spoken language. Despite its name, Nynorsk is not a new language but a revival movement that began in the late 19th century.

Both Bokm?l and Nynorsk are used in different parts of Norway, and the division between them is not always clear-cut. People often switch between the two in everyday writing, as both forms are taught in schools and are spoken in different contexts. The use of Bokm?l and Nynorsk also varies depending on the region, cultural background, and personal preference.

Riksml (Standard Norwegian) and Samnorsk (Unified Norwegian) were proposed as potential alternatives to reconcile the dialectical differences between Bokm?l and Nynorsk. While Riksml was never officially adopted, Samnorsk continues to be a topic of discussion and research, aiming to create a unified written standard for Norwegian.

Understanding "Potato" and "North German"

The claim that "Danes speak potato" is a colloquial expression used to criticize the language's perceived simplicity or lack of sophistication. While Danish is indeed a distinctive language, it is a member of the same Germanic family as German and is mutually intelligible with German to varying degrees.

Norwegians sometimes refer to their language as "North German," which is a misnomer. Norwegians speak a distinctively North Germanic language, separate from but related to German.

Conclusion

The linguistic landscape of Scandinavia is rich and diverse, with unique languages, dialects, and writing forms. While Swedish and Norwegian share common roots, they have developed distinct characteristics reflecting their historical, cultural, and regional contexts. Understanding the variety of languages and dialects can deepen our appreciation of the region's linguistic heritage.

This article is written to provide clarity and insight into the languages of Sweden and Norway, emphasizing the importance of dialects, written standards, and cultural significance.