★ Det Norske Språket! ★ | Skoleprosjekt | Emil Walseth

Summary

This video explores the evolution of the Norwegian language, tracing its roots from Old Norse around 200 AD through various stages, including the influence of Danish during the union with Denmark. Key figures like Knut Knutsen and Ivar Aasen contributed to the development of Bokmål and Nynorsk, respectively, leading to Norway's dual written languages. The video also highlights the rich diversity of dialects across Norway and discusses contemporary changes influenced by globalization and English, raising concerns about the future of the language. Overall, it underscores the significance of dialects as markers of identity and cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Norwegian has evolved significantly over time, starting from Old Norse around 200 AD.
• 😀 The transition from Old Norse to North Norse occurred around 700 AD, influenced by the introduction of the Latin alphabet.
• 😀 The Black Death in the mid-14th century severely impacted Norway and led to increased Danish influence on the language.
• 😀 The period from 1350 to 1550 is known as Middle Norwegian, characterized by the incorporation of new words from neighboring countries.
• 😀 After gaining independence from Denmark in 1814, Norwegian maintained Danish as its written form until reforms began in the 1830s.
• 😀 Two major figures in the development of a distinctly Norwegian written language were Knut Knutsen and Ivar Aasen.
• 😀 Knut Knutsen focused on gradually reforming the Danish language to create Bokmål, while Ivar Aasen developed Nynorsk based on dialects.
• 😀 In 1885, Norway's parliament recognized both Nynorsk and Bokmål as official written languages.
• 😀 Dialects in Norway are diverse, with estimates of up to 500 distinct varieties categorized into four main groups.
• 😀 Modern Norwegian is experiencing anglicization, leading to the incorporation of English words and phrases into everyday language.

Q & A

What is the historical origin of the Norwegian language?

The Norwegian language originated from Old Norse, which was spoken around the year 200 AD, and evolved through various stages, including Urnordisk and Nordø.

How did the introduction of Christianity influence the Norwegian language?

With the arrival of Christianity, the Latin alphabet was introduced, which became the foundation for the modern Norwegian alphabet.

What significant event occurred in Norway around 1350?

The Black Death struck Norway around 1350, leading to severe societal challenges and eventual union with Denmark and Sweden.

What characterized the period referred to as 'mellomnorsk'?

'Mellomnorsk' or Middle Norwegian, which lasted from around 1350 to 1550, was marked by heavy influence from Danish and Swedish, resulting in the introduction of many new words.

What was the impact of the 1814 constitution on the Norwegian language?

In 1814, Norway gained its own constitution and began to move away from Danish as its written language, although Danish remained influential for some time.

Who were Knut Knutsen and Ivar Åsen, and what was their contribution to the Norwegian language?

Knut Knutsen advocated for the gradual adaptation of Danish into a more Norwegian form, while Ivar Åsen created a written standard based on various Norwegian dialects, known as Nynorsk.

How did the Norwegian parliament address the coexistence of written languages?

In 1885, the Storting decided to give equal status to both Nynorsk and Bokmål, recognizing Norway as a country with two official written languages.

What role do dialects play in Norwegian identity?

Dialects are a significant part of individual identity in Norway, reflecting regional backgrounds and even influencing perceptions of age and social status.

What are some of the main dialect groups in Norway?

Norwegian dialects can be broadly categorized into four main groups: Østlandsk, Vestlandsk, Trøndersk, and Nordnorsk.

How is modern Norwegian influenced by English?

Modern Norwegian is experiencing Anglicization, with many English words and phrases being adopted, especially among younger speakers and in digital communication.