Statusmål

Statusmål is a term used in Scandinavian language policy to describe the officially sanctioned written form of a language that is used for government, administration, education, and public communication. The word combines status, indicating formal recognition, with mål, meaning a language standard or goal. A statusmål may be established by law, regulation, or policy, and it governs which orthography, vocabulary, and grammar are appropriate in official contexts.

In practice, statusmål often coexists with other language varieties within a country. In bilingual or diglossic settings, more than one statusmål can have formal recognition, with defined domains such as legislation, public services, schools, and media. Agencies may be required to publish materials in the designated statusmål, and public servants are typically expected to use it in official discourse. Where multiple standards exist, parallel texts or translations may be provided to ensure accessibility and equal treatment.

The concept is closely linked to language planning and standardization efforts. Debates around statusmål frequently touch on issues of linguistic equality, cultural identity, and practical implications for education and administration. Critics may argue that official status privileges one variant over others, while supporters emphasize consistency, legitimacy, and clarity in public life.

See also: official language, standard language, language policy, language planning.