lihtkeelne

Lihtkeelne refers to a type of Estonian language used by Estonians of Estonia, primarily in informal and casual contexts. Estonian is the official language of Estonia, and it has two main dialect categories: keelekviirne (literary language) and lihtkeelne (light language).

Lihtkeelne is distinct from the commonly taught standard Estonian (keelekviirne) used in formal situations, education, and official contexts. It exhibits significant features that differentiate it from the standard variety, such as different vocabulary, pronunciation, and use of grammatical structures. Lihtkeelne speakers may use a broader vocabulary from dialects and colloquial expressions.

Although language standardization was emphasized after World War II, linguistic variations persisted. Traditionally, Estonian dialects were denied legitimacy due to the state's language policy efforts toward standardizing Estonian as a single, codified language. This standardization was subject to change as the literary dialect, influenced by social, geographical, and cultural variables experienced modifications.

Today, the language situation in Estonia continues to be complex, with conventions of standard language often subject to debate. Various transnational Estonian language commitments illustrate the socio-political challenges in the country's language history. Nonetheless, lihtkeelne represents the everyday everyday, domestically accepted Estonian spoken by the population for communication.