Gotlandic

Gotlandic, also called Gutnish, is a North Germanic language spoken on Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic Sea belonging to Sweden. It is often described as a distinct language within the East Nordic subgroup by linguists, though some classifications treat it as a Swedish dialect. The language comprises regional varieties, chiefly North Gotlandic and South Gotlandic, which differ in pronunciation and vocabulary.

Historically, Gotlandic descends from Old Gutnish, with medieval texts such as the Gutasaga illustrating its early form. Over the centuries it developed under influence from Swedish, Danish, and German through trade and administration, while retaining distinctive features that set it apart from standard Swedish. The linguistic relationship to other North Germanic languages remains a subject of scholarly study.

Today, Gotlandic is endangered, with a relatively small number of fluent speakers, mainly among older generations. Intergenerational transmission has declined, though there are contemporary revival and preservation efforts, including cultural initiatives, educational programs, and published materials aimed at maintaining the language and its traditions.

The writing system uses the Latin alphabet, and orthographic conventions vary among sources and communities. Researchers examine its phonology, morphology, and lexicon to understand its historical development and its connections to other Nordic languages. Gotlandic remains an important element of Gotland’s linguistic and cultural heritage, attracting linguistic interest and efforts toward preservation.