målmiljøet

Målmiljøet is a concept used in linguistics and language education to describe the social and physical environment in which a language—the target language—is used, learned, and maintained. It encompasses the settings, practices, and norms that surround language use and influence how learners are exposed to and engage with the language.

Components of the målmiljøet include family language practices, classrooms and schools, workplaces, media and culture, public spaces, and digital environments. The status, prestige, and attitudes toward the target language within these contexts affect how much and what kind of language input learners receive and how confidently they can use the language. A strong målmiljø provides frequent, varied, and meaningful opportunities to hear, read, write, and speak the language.

The concept is important in language education, minority language maintenance, and language policy. By shaping the målmiljøet—through immersion programs, bilingual education, community activities, media availability, and official language planning—educators and policymakers aim to increase exposure to the target language and support sustained usage beyond the classroom.

Challenges in establishing or sustaining a favorable målmiljøet include competition from dominant languages, limited resources, geographic dispersion of speakers, and unequal access to digital and media content. The environment is dynamic and context-dependent, changing with migration, technology, and social attitudes. Strategies to strengthen the målmiljøet often involve creating consistent language domains, expanding access to media in the target language, and fostering community networks that encourage regular language practice.