Kirjakõnes

Kirjakõnes is an Estonian term that translates to "written speech" or "literary language." It refers to the standardized and formal variety of Estonian used in written communication. This contrasts with the more informal and regionally varied spoken language, often referred to as murre (dialect) or slang. Kirjakõnes adheres to established grammatical rules, spelling conventions, and a generally accepted vocabulary, ensuring clarity and comprehensibility across different regions and social groups. Its development and standardization have been crucial for the establishment of a unified Estonian national identity and the functioning of public life, including education, media, and official documents. While spoken Estonian exhibits a rich diversity of dialects and informal expressions, kirjakõnes provides a common linguistic framework for formal contexts. The distinction between kirjakõnes and spoken Estonian is a natural linguistic phenomenon present in many languages, but in Estonia, the codification of kirjakõnes has played a particularly significant role in the nation's cultural and political history.