The Norwegian linguistic landscape presents a unique duality: two official written standards, Bokmål and Nynorsk. While many native speakers are proficient in both, or at least familiar with the other, for learners of Norwegian, encountering Nynorsk after an initial focus on Bokmål can feel like entering a new territory. This article aims to provide a structured approach for those looking to transition from Bokmål to Nynorsk, offering practical advice, highlighting key differences, and suggesting strategies for successful integration of Nynorsk into one’s linguistic repertoire. This is not about advocating for one standard over the other, but rather about equipping learners with the knowledge and tools to confidently engage with Nynorsk.
Understanding the Historical and Societal Context
Before delving into linguistic specifics, it is important to grasp the context surrounding the existence of Nynorsk. This foundational understanding can demystify some of the perceived complexities and foster a more appreciative approach to its study.
The Origins of the Two Standards
- The Legacy of Danish: For centuries, Norway was under Danish rule. During this period, Danish was the language of administration, education, and the elite. The spoken Norwegian dialects, while diverse, diverged significantly from written Danish.
- The Rise of a National Language: In the 19th century, a powerful movement for Norwegian independence and cultural self-determination emerged. A key aspect of this was the development of a distinct Norwegian written language.
The Creation of Nynorsk
- Ivar Aasen’s Groundbreaking Work: The linguist Ivar Aasen is credited with the systematic compilation and standardization of Nynorsk. He travelled extensively across Norway, collecting and analyzing the various spoken dialects. His aim was to create a written language that reflected the “purest” and most widespread elements of these dialects, unadulterated by Danish influence.
- From Dialects to a Unified Standard: Aasen’s work, culminating in his Ordbog over det norske Folkesprog (Dictionary of the Norwegian Folkmouth) and Det norske Folkesprogs Grammatik (Grammar of the Norwegian Folkmouth), laid the groundwork for Nynorsk. It was not designed to be a direct transcription of any single dialect, but rather an amalgamation that aimed for broader representational reach.
The Development of Bokmål
- A More Controlled Evolution: Bokmål, in contrast, evolved from the existing written Danish that had been in use in Norway. While it underwent significant reforms to become more distinctly Norwegian, it retained more direct links to its Danish origins.
- Danish Influence and Norwegianization: Reforms throughout the 20th century aimed to “Norwegianize” Bokmål, bringing its vocabulary and grammar closer to spoken Norwegian. However, its foundational structure and many of its core vocabulary items remained influenced by Danish.
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The Societal Landscape of Nynorsk
- Geographical Distribution: Nynorsk is most prevalent in the western and southwestern regions of Norway. Municipalities in these areas often adopt Nynorsk as
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