Enkelthetsmål

Enkelthetsmål is a linguistic term used in some Norwegian-language discussions to describe a purported class of languages characterized by a single dominant morphosyntactic organizing principle. The word combines en- meaning simple and -mål meaning language, indicating a language whose grammar is organized around one prevailing thematic domain rather than multiple interacting systems.

Definition and scope: The term does not have a single universally accepted definition in typology. In a broad sense, enkelthetsmål refers to languages with minimal inflection and a strong reliance on word order and analytic constructions, with limited cross-categorical marking such as few case distinctions and limited agreement. Proponents note that a language may exhibit this as its primary organizing factor while still maintaining other grammatical contrasts.

Relation to other typologies: Enkelthetsmål is usually contrasted with heavily inflected or agglutinative/fusional systems and with highly synthetic languages. Some linguists view the concept as a descriptive shorthand for extreme isolating or creole-like grammars, rather than as a stable, widely applicable language type.

Status and examples: There is no widely accepted catalog of languages identified as enkelthetsmål. The term appears mainly in theoretical or historical discussions rather than in contemporary descriptive typology. Some authors use it to discuss language evolution, contact phenomena, or simplification processes. Because of its ambiguity and lack of consensus, many researchers prefer analyzing relevant grammars with established categories such as analytic, isolating, inflectional, or agglutinative frameworks.

See also: language typology, isolating language, analytic language, creole.