Õigekeelne

Õigekeelne is an Estonian adjective meaning "orthographically correct" or "grammatically correct." It refers to language that adheres to the established rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation of the Estonian language. This concept is central to Estonian language education and standard usage.

The term can be applied to individual words, sentences, or entire texts. For instance, a word spelled according to the official orthography is ōigekeelne, while an incorrect spelling would be considered vigane or vale. Similarly, a sentence constructed with correct grammatical structures and word order is ōigekeelne.

Maintaining ōigekeelne usage is important for clear and effective communication in Estonian. It ensures that the language is understood uniformly across different speakers and contexts. The Estonian Language Institute (Eesti Keele Instituut) plays a significant role in defining and promoting the correct usage of the Estonian language, including its orthography and grammar.

Teachers and language learners strive to achieve ōigekeelne proficiency. While dialects and colloquialisms may deviate from the standard, the concept of ōigekeelne represents the codified and widely accepted form of the language. It is a benchmark for formal writing, official documents, and standardized communication.