Language in Norway
Norway has two official languages: Norsk and Sami (spoken by the indigenous Sami of the north, and only recognised as an official language in certain areas of the country).
English is widely spoken in the cities, but less so in the rural areas and towns.
Norsk is divided into two official written forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is the language passed down from written Danish during the union of Denmark and Norway (1380–1814). Language scholar Ivar Aasen created Nynorsk during the mid-nineteenth century, in order to carry on the tradition of Old Norse.
Both Nynorsk and Bokmål are used in public administration, schools, churches, and on radio and television, and all Norwegians understand both languages. You will find, however, that most people speak some dialect of Norwegian. Strong local cultures are reflected in the language, and Norwegian is characterised by these numerous dialects.
English is widely spoken in the cities, but less so in the rural areas and towns.
Norsk is divided into two official written forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is the language passed down from written Danish during the union of Denmark and Norway (1380–1814). Language scholar Ivar Aasen created Nynorsk during the mid-nineteenth century, in order to carry on the tradition of Old Norse.
Both Nynorsk and Bokmål are used in public administration, schools, churches, and on radio and television, and all Norwegians understand both languages. You will find, however, that most people speak some dialect of Norwegian. Strong local cultures are reflected in the language, and Norwegian is characterised by these numerous dialects.
