Norwegian variations
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Disclaimer: This description is intended to give a brief overview of the history of - and reasons for - a split language. The original author is neither a historian nor a linguist, so use this as a "rough guide", don't take it as a reference of any sort.
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Background
The Norwegian language currently has two official forms, Nynorsk and Bokmål, slightly differing in grammar and ortography/vocabulary. The differences are so small that they can be categorized as dialectic. There are no clear geographical or ethnic borders between the two language forms. For foreigners this might be a source of confusion and seem like a waste of resources, maintaining two standards for written language when it is essentially the same language.
It can be argued that Bokmål is more useful to learn, because the majority of speakers use it, and the majority of available Norwegian sources (newspapers, literature, web sources, etc.) use it.
It can also be argued that Nynorsk is the natural development of Norwegian language, and closer to old Norse. Though not a majority, a prominent part of Norwegian literature, some newspapers and other media, is in full or in part Nynorsk.
All publications (including web pages) from government authorities should be available in both language forms.
Why
Norway was under danish rule for 400 years, and our language is heavily influenced by that, more in some regions and less in others. The most prominent difference: Urban areas, being centre of industry, trade and politics, have dialects that are more influenced by Danish than those in rural areas.
In 1814 Norway was taken under swedish rule, with more independence than under the danes (our own constitution, and a norwegian parliament with some power regarding internal affairs). There was a nationalist movement, and anything defining the norwegian nation was encouraged. Ivar Aasen's effort to redefine the norwegian language (see below) was very welcome in this situation.
Usage
Both forms are used all over Norway, but to some extent the usage is connected to resemblance with the dialect spoken.
- Bokmål is the most commonly used form. The dialects in urban areas and northern and eastern parts of Norway are often closer to bokmål.
- Nynorsk is a little less common. The dialects in western Norway, rural areas in particular, are often closer to nynorsk.
Exact data on usage does not exist, as everyone is free to use the form they choose and everyone is taught both forms at school. However, polls and other statistics (like on children's choice of main language form) indicate that 15-30% of the norwegian population use nynorsk.
In addition there are two obsolete forms: riksmål and landsmål.
History
- Riksmål is very much like bokmål. During the development of "landsmål" as a written language (from 1853), the term came into use to distinguish the official language (the term literally means "national language"). The usage is still accepted, and considered conservative language.
- Landsmål is the form defined by Ivar Aasen (see below), with its development up to the 1930's. From 1885 landsmål was an official form on equal terms with riksmål. Usage of conservative landsmål is considered archaic (not acceptable in writing). The word "landsmål" translates to "country language".
Riksmål is the language that developed during the time when Norway was a part of Denmark (a period known as "dansketiden"). It has norwegian roots, but is heavily influenced by Danish. From early 20th century the term "det boklige norsk" or "bokmålet" was used more. The term "riksmål" was taken up by a conservative movement in the early 1950's, mostly as a reaction to a rather radical reformation of the nynorsk and bokmål standards in 1938. The organization Riksmålsforbundet governs the development of this form.
The current riksmål differs from bokmål in the following ways (list is probably not comprehensive):
- There are no distinct masculine and feminine genders. The genders used are "common" and "neuter" (felleskjønn and intetkjønn). The nouns which in bokmål are masculine or feminine generally fall into the "common" category, and the grammar rules generally follow those of masculine nouns in bokmål.
- Some words obsoleted in bokmål are still allowed.
- The alternate forms allowed for some words in bokmål are forbidden in riksmål.
Landsmål is a language formalized by Ivar Aasen, starting with his book from 1853, "Prøver af Landsmaalet i Norge". The base for his work was a collection of dialect samples (=prøver) of words and usage. Its popularity gained much force from the nationalist movement working for norwegian independency from Denmark.
Samnorsk is not a defined language standard, as the word suggests. Rather, it is (was) an attempt to converge the two previous forms, gradually allowing both riksmål and landsmål (and later bokmål and nynorsk) to adopt usage from the other. This was official norwegian policy during the 20th century (roughly). The idea was to try to encourage natural convergence. The effect was largely the opposite, and this is no longer a political objective.
Conclusion, and then some...
Nynorsk is the current term (from 1929) for what was originally called landsmål (originating from 1853) as an alternative to the danish influenced official language of the time.
Nynorsk is also the linguistic term for language in Norway from around 1500, when the development from old norse became apparent.
Bokmål Is the current term (from 1929) for what was originally called riksmål.
Riksmål is, in addition to being the old name for bokmål, a current language form with its own, non governmental, organization.
The official source of information on Norwegian is Norsk språkråd.
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