Svensk språkhistoria förklarad | SVENSKA | Gymnasienivå

Summary

The video explores the dynamic evolution of the Swedish language, tracing its development from the Viking Age through medieval times, the Renaissance, and into the modern era. Key moments include the introduction of new words, like 'arbeta' (to work), and the impact of historical events, such as Gustav Vasa's Bible translation. The script examines linguistic shifts, like the gradual phasing out of plural verb forms and the 'dureform' (informal 'du' usage). It also highlights the influence of other languages, particularly English, on contemporary Swedish. The video emphasizes the democratic nature of language evolution and the importance of adapting to societal changes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Swedish has evolved over more than a thousand years, with continuous changes in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
• 😀 The meaning of words can change significantly over time, as seen with the word 'kåt,' which originally meant 'forward-thinking' and not just 'sexually eager.'
• 😀 Swedish language history can be traced back to the Viking Age, with runes being used for inscriptions like the Rök stone, which is the longest and most mysterious runic inscription.
• 😀 The transition from runes to the Latin alphabet occurred with the arrival of Christianity in Sweden, leading to the early use of the Latin alphabet without standardized spelling.
• 😀 The publication of Gustav Vasa's Bible in 1541 marked a turning point for the Swedish language, with the introduction of specific letters like Å, Ä, and Ö to distinguish Swedish from Danish.
• 😀 During the 1700s, Swedish borrowed many words from French, reflecting cultural and political influences, and the Swedish Academy was established to standardize the language.
• 😀 The Swedish spelling reform of 1906 simplified and modernized the language's orthography, standardizing words like 'rött' (red) to match their pronunciation.
• 😀 In the 1920s, Sweden eliminated plural verb forms, further streamlining the language's grammar and making it more modern and accessible.
• 😀 The Dureform in the 1960s led to the widespread use of 'du' instead of the formal 'ni' in addressing others, reflecting a cultural shift toward egalitarianism and informality.
• 😀 English has had a significant impact on modern Swedish, with new words and grammatical patterns being adopted, such as pluralizing borrowed nouns like 'tacos.'
• 😀 Language reforms don't happen overnight; they begin in spoken language and gradually become formalized in writing, with changes being accepted over time.

Q & A

How has the Swedish language evolved over time?

The Swedish language has continuously developed and changed over the past thousand years, with new expressions, shifts in pronunciation, and changes in meaning of words. The language reflects societal changes and influences from other languages.

What is the historical meaning of the word 'kåt' in Swedish?

In older Swedish, 'kåt' did not solely mean sexually willing, but rather referred to a forward or ambitious person, as seen in the medieval ballad of Ebbe Skammelsson. The term could relate to sexuality, but it had a broader meaning at the time.

Why is the Bible translation by Gustav Vasa important for the Swedish language?

Gustav Vasa’s Bible translation, published in 1541, played a crucial role in the development of the Swedish language by marking a shift toward a standardized form of Swedish. It helped differentiate Swedish from Danish and established the use of characters like Å, Ä, and Ö.

What role did runes play in early Swedish writing?

Runes were used in Swedish writing since the 3rd or 4th century, primarily for commemorative purposes, like memorial stones. The Rök Stone, with its lengthy inscription, is the longest and most cryptic example of this early form of writing.

What was the impact of the printing press and the first Swedish Bible on the Swedish language?

The printing of the first Swedish Bible helped establish spelling norms, marking the beginning of standardized written Swedish. It played a significant role in eliminating the 'write-how-you-speak' period and created a reference for how Swedish should be spelled.

What was the purpose of Svenska Akademien, founded in the 18th century?

The Svenska Akademien, founded in the late 18th century, aimed to preserve and standardize the Swedish language. It was responsible for regulating the spelling and use of new loanwords like 'fåtölj' and 'byrå' and ensuring the language's development.

How did the language evolve during the industrial revolution in Sweden?

During the industrial revolution, there was a push for linguistic standardization. The government introduced public schooling to ensure all children learned the same language, primarily Rikssvenska (standard Swedish), so that people from different regions could communicate effectively in the growing urban centers.

What was the 1906 spelling reform in Swedish?

The 1906 spelling reform modernized Swedish spelling, aligning it with how words were pronounced. For instance, words like 'rött' and 'övre', which had been spelled differently before, were standardized to their current forms.

What changes did the 'dureformen' bring to the Swedish language?

The 'dureformen', which began in the 1960s, abolished the use of titles and formal address in favor of a more egalitarian 'du' (you) form. It was a significant cultural and linguistic shift towards informality and equality in Sweden.

How has the Swedish language been influenced by English?

The Swedish language has absorbed many English terms, especially in modern contexts, resulting in new linguistic forms like using 'tacos' for plural instead of a traditional Swedish form like 'tacoar.' The rise of English in media and technology continues to influence Swedish.