Understanding Norwegian Language: Bokmal and Its Usage

Norway, known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, is home to two official languages: Norwegian and Sami. The Kven language, a Finnic language or dialects, is also spoken in the northernmost parts of the country by the Kven people. However, this article delves into one of the major written standards of the Norwegian language—Bokmal.

The Official Written Standards of Norwegian

In Norway, the Norwegian language exists in two main written standards: Bokmal and Nynorsk. Both are official written languages, with Bokmal being the most widely used.

What is Bokmal?

Bokmal is a written standard of the Norwegian language based on Danish. It is the standard written and administrative language of Norway and is used in most urban areas. The term 'Bokmal' is often used interchangeably with 'Bokmaal', which refers to the same language.

Historical Context

Bokmal has its roots in written Danish, which was the official language of Norway for over four hundred years. The development of Nynorsk, the second written standard, began in the 1850s by Ivar Aasen, who aimed to create a written language based on Western Norwegian regional dialects. This created a distinction between Bokmal, which is based on Danish, and Nynorsk, which is more closely tied to regional dialects.

Other Variants

In addition to Bokmal, there is another form called Riksml, which is closely related to Bokmal and is almost identical to one of the dominant forms of it, known as Moderat Bokmal. Both Riksml and Bokmal evolved from the Danish written language.

Speaking Norwegian Dialects

While Bokmal and Nynorsk exist primarily as written standards, Norwegians do not speak these versions directly. Instead, they use the various dialects of the Norwegian language, which are the actual spoken forms.

The Heart of Bokmal Dialects

The spoken dialect closest to Bokmal is the stlandsk (Eastern dialect), particularly the sub-dialect from Western Oslo. For immigrants who come to Norway, learning these dialects can be a challenge. However, most immigrants successfully adapt and learn the dialects due to immersion and state-funded cultural integration programs that include language and Norwegian culture and society classes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Bokmal is a significant written standard of the Norwegian language, it is not a spoken language. The majority of Norwegians are educated in and use Bokmal in media, literature, and official documents. Understanding the dialects is crucial for those seeking to integrate into Norwegian society, whether as a native or an immigrant.

Note: The term 'Bokmal' and 'Bokmaal' refer to the same language. The ring or dot above the 'a' in 'bokmaal' is not merely a modifier but indicates that it is a distinct written standard.