writtenEstonian

Written Estonian refers to the standardized written form of the Estonian language. It follows a Latin-based alphabet with a few modifications, including the letters õ, ä, ö, and ü. The orthography is largely phonetic, meaning words are generally spelled as they are pronounced, although there are some historical conventions and exceptions. The development of written Estonian has been influenced by various historical periods, including the Baltic German influence and periods of Russian and Soviet rule, which led to some variations and debates over standardization.

The modern standard of written Estonian is regulated by the Estonian Language Institute (Eesti Keele Instituut). Its primary objective is to maintain the purity and consistency of the language. The Estonian orthography is known for its distinctiveness, particularly the use of vowel combinations and the letter õ, which represents a sound not common in many other European languages. Grammar in written Estonian, like spoken Estonian, features a complex case system with 14 grammatical cases. The vocabulary has been enriched by borrowings from German, Russian, and more recently, English, alongside a strong tradition of creating native Estonian terms. The widespread use of the internet and digital media has also contributed to ongoing discussions about the evolution of written Estonian, particularly concerning informal language use and neologisms.