ajajärkudest

Ajajärku is a term used in Estonian linguistics and literary studies to denote distinct periods in the historical development of the Estonian language and its literary traditions. These periods are not defined by strict chronological boundaries but rather by significant shifts in linguistic features, vocabulary, and stylistic conventions.

The earliest recognizable ajajärk might be considered the proto-Estonian period, preceding the written record, during which the language was evolving from a common Finno-Ugric ancestor. Following this, the period of Old Estonian (Vanaeesti) begins with the earliest written fragments, typically dating from the 13th century onwards. This era is characterized by a relatively limited corpus, often found in religious texts and legal documents, and reflects a language still undergoing significant standardization.

The Middle Estonian (Keskeesti) period, roughly from the 16th to the 18th century, sees a more extensive body of written material, including Balthasar Russov's chronicle and the first printed Estonian Bible translations. This ajajärk is marked by the emergence of a more codified literary language and the consolidation of grammatical structures.

The New Estonian (Uus-eesti) period, starting in the late 18th or early 19th century, is characterized by the rise of national consciousness and a more systematic development of the literary language, influenced by scholars like Jakob Hurt. This period leads into modern Estonian, where further standardization, simplification, and adaptation to contemporary usage continue to shape the language. Each ajajärk represents a phase in the continuous evolution of Estonian, reflecting its cultural and social context.