Nonnynorsk

Nonnynorsk is a Norwegian language variant that was used as a literary and administrative language in Norway from the 19th to the 20th century. It is also known as Riksmål or classical Norwegian. Nonnynorsk developed from the Danish language, which was used as the official language of Norway during the Danish rule from 1380 to 1814. After the country gained independence, the Norwegian language began to diverge from Danish, and nonnynorsk emerged as a distinct variant.

Nonnynorsk is characterized by a more formal and conservative language use compared to other Norwegian dialects. It was used in official contexts, such as government, education, and literature. The language was standardized in the mid-19th century, and it gained significant importance as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage. However, with the introduction of Bokmål, a more informal and widespread Norwegian language, nonnynorsk gradually lost its relevance.

In the early 20th century, the use of nonnynorsk declined significantly, and by the middle of the century, it was mostly confined to formal and academic contexts. Today, nonnynorsk is considered an archaic variant of Norwegian, and it is no longer used as an official language. However, it remains an important part of Norway's linguistic and cultural history, and it is still studied by linguists and cultural enthusiasts.