THE STANDARD LANGUAGE DILEMMA IN NORWAY: HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Abstract

 This paper explores the evolution of the Norwegian literary language, focusing on the origins, development, and coexistence of Bokmål and Nynorsk. It traces the historical trajectory of the Norwegian language from the period of Danish rule to Norway's independence, delving into the historical origins of the two standardized forms of Norwegian: Bokmål and Nynorsk. The paper further examines the various stages of their development and the language policies implemented by the Norwegian state over the past 150 years. The article also discusses the sociolinguistic factors that have shaped and continue to shape the development of the Norwegian language.

The paper aims to clarify and explain why, despite the state's active efforts, the standardized literary language remains a complex and contested issue in Norway. The state's language policies, while achieving some stabilization, have been unable to provide a definitive solution. Over the years, due to the complexities of the issue, the state has been compelled to shift its focus from ambitious, patriotic goals to a more nuanced and less interventionist approach.

Keywords: Norwegian, Language policy, Sociolinguistics, Language standardization, Scandinavian studies.