Szóközszabályok

Szóközszabályok refer to the conventions regarding word separation in the Hungarian language. Hungary introduced its first sentence case in 1732 during the Austrian period. The rules specify when to place spaces between words and at the end of sentences.

Before the standardization of the Hungarian orthography in 1930, there was no established system for word separation. The introduction of the double vowel system contributed to the need for a clear set of rules. According to the szóközszabályok, a space is placed between words at the end of a sentence. However, a word that ends in a punctuation mark, such as a comma or period, usually requires a space before the punctuation.

A space is not placed between a number and the unit of measurement. Furthermore, a hyphen is used to separate a compound adjective from the noun it modifies. The szóközszabályok were reaffirmed by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1969. The rules aim to maintain readability and consistency in written Hungarian.

Their implementation has improved over time. Initially, adherence to the rules was emphasized in formal publications, but now the szóközszabályok are considered essential in all types of written Hungarian. The conventions facilitate the understanding of written texts, promoting clear communication among speakers of the language.

These guidelines serve as a reference for Writers, proofreaders, and editors. For non-native speakers, adherence to the szóközszabályok will improve their overall writing skills in Hungarian, enabling more effective communication. By relying on this standardized system of word separation, Hungarian-language texts can be more easily read and understood by the public.