Õigekeelsuse

Õigekeelsuse is the Estonian term for "orthography" or "spelling," referring to the set of conventions and rules governing the written form of the Estonian language. It encompasses principles related to spelling, punctuation, hyphenation, and the correct use of diacritical marks, ensuring consistency and clarity in written communication.

The standardization of Õigekeelsuse is overseen by the Estonian Language Authority (Eesti Keele Instituut), which develops and updates official language rules. These guidelines are published in the Estonian Orthographic Dictionary (Õigekeelsussõnaraamat), serving as the authoritative reference for correct spelling and punctuation in Estonia.

Estonian orthography was first codified in the 19th century, with significant reforms introduced in the early 20th century to standardize orthographic practices. The rules emphasize the preservation of phonemic integrity, aligning spelling with pronunciation, and maintaining linguistic identity.

Õigekeelsuse plays a crucial role in education, publishing, media, and government, ensuring that written Estonian maintains its consistency and intelligibility across different contexts. It also reflects the language’s historical development and phonetic nuances, including unique features such as the use of diacritical marks like the ä, ö, ü, and õ.

The continual development of Õigekeelsuse adapts to linguistic changes and technological advancements, including digital communication and new terminology. Overall, it represents a vital aspect of Estonian linguistic culture and identity, promoting effective and standardized written communication within Estonia and beyond.