Kirjalikus

Kirjalikus is a term found in Estonian linguistic and literary discussions to denote the written or scriptural aspect of language. It is used to refer to phenomena tied to writing, such as orthography, textual representation, and literacy practices, as opposed to spoken language.

Etymology-wise, kirjalikus combines the root kirja, meaning “book” or “letter,” with a suffix that marks a property or characteristic. In scholarly usage, the term conveys a sense of something pertaining to writing or written culture rather than to oral discourse.

In practice, the concept is used to describe features of written language, including how texts are produced, preserved, and transmitted. It can also encompass the role of writing in forming cultural memory and in shaping textual traditions within a language community.

The term appears mainly in Estonian-language academic writing and is not widely standardized. Different authors may apply it with slightly different nuances, but the common thread is describing aspects of language or culture that are rooted in writing rather than in speech.

Kirjalikus is often contrasted with suuline (oral) language and can be considered a counterpart to discussions of manuscript culture, print-era literacy, and the study of orthography. It is sometimes translated as “scriptural” or “written” in English, though its precise sense may vary by author and context. See also orthography, manuscript studies, and textual culture.