kirjakeelt

Kirjakeelt, also known as standard Estonian, is the official written language of Estonia. It is based on the Estonian dialect spoken in the capital city of Tallinn and is used in formal and educational contexts. The term "kirjakeelt" distinguishes it from other Estonian dialects, which are used in everyday speech but not in official writing.

The development of kirjakeelt began in the 19th century, with efforts to create a standardized written form of Estonian. This was influenced by the broader linguistic movement in Europe to establish national languages. The first Estonian grammar book, "Eesti Keel ja Kirjandus" (Estonian Language and Literature), was published in 1835, marking an important milestone in the standardization process.

Kirjakeelt is characterized by its use of the Latin alphabet, which was adopted in the 19th century. It includes specific spelling rules and conventions that differ from those used in other Estonian dialects. For example, the letter "š" is used to represent a specific sound that is not found in other Estonian dialects.

The use of kirjakeelt is regulated by the Estonian Language Act, which was passed in 1999. This act aims to protect and promote the use of Estonian in all official contexts. The act also includes provisions for the use of other languages in Estonia, recognizing the country's multicultural society.

Despite its official status, kirjakeelt is not universally spoken by all Estonians. Many Estonians, especially older generations, speak other Estonian dialects in their daily lives. However, kirjakeelt is widely understood and used in formal and educational settings, as well as in media and literature.

In summary, kirjakeelt is the official written form of Estonian, based on the Tallinn dialect. It was developed in the 19th century and is characterized by specific spelling rules and the use of the Latin alphabet. The Estonian Language Act regulates its use, and while not universally spoken, it is widely understood and used in formal contexts.