Uncommon or Incongruous? An Analysis of Why Urban stNorsk Speakers May Not Choose Nynorsk as Their Written Language

When considering the linguistic landscape of Norway, the two official written forms—Bokm?l (Bokml) and Nynorsk (Nynorsk)—represent distinct variants with their unique traits and appeal. For urban speakers of Standard Urban Norwegian (stNorsk), adopting Nynorsk as their written language might seem uncommon or incongruous, especially given their strong familiarity with and preference for Bokml. This article delves into why this choice is not only uncommon but also why some speakers might prefer sticking to their native form.

Adoption Barriers: The Complexity of Writing Nynorsk

Urban speakers of stNorsk often express difficulty in mastering Nynorsk, despite it being described by supporters as closer to spoken Norwegian (especially Eastern Norwegian dialects in this case). As a student, Tor Gjerde mentioned that learning Nynorsk requires conscious thought for each word, making it a significant challenge for native speakers of Bokml (Eastern Norwegian). This highlights the linguistic disparity between spoken and written forms of Nynorsk, which is not always intuitive for those accustomed to Bokml.

The Linguistic and Cultural Fit

While linguists and supporters argue that Nynorsk is closer to spoken Norwegian in certain regions, including Eastern Norway, cultural and pragmatic reasons may outweigh this advantage. The Norwegian cultural norm is to use few words and to be direct, traits that align well with both Nynorsk and the overall cultural ethos. However, the bidialectal feature of stNorsk, which is more closely aligned with Bokml, makes it easier for speakers to express themselves without the additional cognitive effort required to write in Nynorsk.

Reasons for Uncommon Use of Nynorsk

Given the historical and contemporary reasons for the infrequent use of Nynorsk by urban stNorsk speakers, several motivations come to the forefront:

Employment and Identity Marker: Urban professionals, especially academics, might adopt Nynorsk as a marker of an adopted working-class identity, setting themselves apart in academic and cultural contexts. Expression of Non-Fascist Nationalism: Choosing to write in Nynorsk can be seen as a statement against right-wing or nationalist sentiments, aligning with progressive or left-leaning ideologies. Linguistic Interest: For some, the intrinsic interest in the Norwegian language and its diverse forms might drive them to choose Nynorsk, even if it is not their primary dialect.

The Role of Spelling, Slang, and Linguistic Purity

Spelling and slang have a significant impact on the perception of Nynorsk. The evolution of Nynorsk spelling towards a more Latin-based system has its advantages but also introduces complexities. For instance, the word skeiv, meaning "crooked" or "bent," was originally spelled skjev in Bokml. Today, the original form is more commonly used, but its slang meanings, such as "under the influence" and "queer," reflect the evolving linguistic landscape. These developments make Nynorsk less distant from spoken Norwegian in many ways, but also introduce additional nuances and potential pitfalls for speakers.

Furthermore, linguistic purity is a recurring concept in the debate over Nynorsk. While efforts have been made to reduce the influence of foreign words, especially of Low German origin, this purity has sometimes been resisted due to cultural and pragmatic reasons. This resistance is evident in the continued use of some Low German terms in everyday speech and academic writing.

Conclusion

For many urban stNorsk speakers, the choice of Nynorsk as their written language remains uncommon and often incongruous. The cognitive effort required to learn and use Nynorsk effectively, combined with cultural and practical considerations, makes it a less preferable option for most. However, the reasons for this infrequent choice provide insights into the complex interplay of language, culture, and personal identity in Norway.