Norwegian Language, its Translations & Characteristics

Are you planning to expand your business or open a new establishment in Norway? No matter which part of the world you go to, the local language is the main key to connect to the native people. It is true for travelers. It is true for businessmen.

Opening new branches of your business in foreign shores is common these days. And translators come in handy to make it easier for companies to get connected with their target audience in foreign lands. In this hub, we are going to discuss about a North Germanic language – Norwegian.

Considered as the official language of Norway, Norwegian is a part of the Scandinavian group of languages which also include Danish and Swedish. You can also find Norwegian speakers in Denmark, Spain, Canada, Sweden, Germany, the UK and the USA.

Written forms of Norwegian

The Norwegian government established two official forms of written Norwegian- Norwegian Bokmål and Norwegian Nynorsk. You can also find other written forms of Norwegian language which have not been accorded official status by the govt. There is Norwegian Riksmål which is considered closer to the Danish language. Another unofficial written form is Norwegian Høgnorsk which is a purist version of Nynorsk and doesn't follow any reforms of the 20^th century.

Although most Norwegians use their own dialect, Norwegian Bokmål which is mainly spoken in the East Norway is considered as the Standard Norwegian.

Danish influence 

Norway was once under Danish rule. Hence between 16^th and 19^th centuries, Danish was used as the Standard written language in Norway. Even Norwegian Bokmål is influenced by Danish language. Whereas Nynorsk is based on Norwegian dialects and strictly avoids any influences from Danish language.

Generally most of Norwegians are familiar with both Norwegian Bokmål and Nynorsk. If you travel to Western Norway, you will find people there using Nynorsk. Whereas in East Norway, Bokmål is primarily used. Though Bokmål is used in more publications, Nynorsk importance can't be undermined. Both Bokmål and Nynorsk are used in government agencies and publications.

When you plan to settle your business in Norway, get Norwegian translations from a reliable translation agency be it translation agencies Ottawa or Montreal translation services provider where expert translators understand your requirements and provide the most accurate translations that fit your target audience.