Eestikeelselt

Eestikeelselt is an Estonian adverb meaning “in Estonian” or “in the Estonian language.” It is used to describe actions performed using Estonian, such as writing, speaking, or translating, and to indicate the language of a text, speech, or other source.

Etymology and form: Eestikeelselt is formed from the adjective eestikeelne, meaning Estonian-language, with an adverbial suffix that yields the manner or mode of expression. In usage, it functions to specify that the content or action is carried out in Estonian rather than in another language.

Usage and context: The term appears mainly in formal, linguistic, academic, and media contexts where language of expression needs to be specified precisely. It contrasts with phrases like eestikeele or eestikeelsus (the Estonian language as a concept) and with eestikeeles, which is the more common expression for “in Estonian” when referring to language of content in everyday speech. Examples include: “Dokument on eestikeelselt koostatud,” meaning the document was prepared in Estonian; and “Ettekande sisu on eestikeelselt esitatud,” meaning the content of the presentation was delivered in Estonian.

Related forms: eestikeelne (Estonian-language; Estonian-speaking), eestikeelsus (the quality or state of being Estonian-language). The noun Eesti keel and the phrase Eesti keeles are also used to denote the Estonian language or content in Estonian.

Notes: Eestikeelselt is a precise, neutral term suited for describing language use in written and spoken Estonian. It is most at home in contexts where exact language specification is important.