Bruksmåter

Bruksmåter, also known as Bruksmålsboka, is a Norwegian language standard that was developed in the early 20th century. It was created to provide a consistent and widely accepted form of written Norwegian, which had previously been characterized by significant regional variations. The standard was based on the dialects of Eastern Norway, specifically the dialects of the Oslofjord region, and was intended to serve as a common language for education, administration, and media.

The development of Bruksmåter was influenced by the growing importance of Norwegian in education and culture, as well as the desire to promote national unity. The standard was first published in 1907 and has since been updated several times to reflect changes in the language. It is used as a reference in schools, workplaces, and other formal settings to ensure consistency in Norwegian language use.

Bruksmåter is not a prescriptive standard, meaning it does not dictate how people should speak but rather provides guidelines for writing. It covers a wide range of topics, including grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, and is used by both native speakers and learners of Norwegian. The standard is maintained by the Norwegian Language Council, which is responsible for promoting and regulating the Norwegian language.

While Bruksmåter has been widely adopted in formal settings, it has not replaced the various regional dialects of Norwegian. These dialects continue to be spoken in everyday life and are an important part of Norwegian cultural identity. Bruksmåter is seen as a tool to facilitate communication between different regions and to promote a shared understanding of the Norwegian language.