Course content

The course provides an introduction to the linguistic landscape of Norway, both in written and spoken forms, with an emphasis on diachronic development. Using concepts from historical linguistics, dialectology, and sociolinguistics, key aspects of the Norwegian language situation are examined, offering students a deeper understanding of language change and language planning. The course addresses both internal structural factors and the external social and political history of the Norwegian language from the Proto-Norse period to the present day. Additionally, it explores historical and contemporary multilingualism in Norway, providing insights into various forms of spoken language variation. The course is closely tied to the core element «linguistic diversity» and lays a foundation for understanding the relationships between language, culture, and identity. Learning activities emphasize an inquiry-based approach to exploring these topics.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate has knowledge of:

• the main aspects of language development from the Old Norse period to present day Norwegian
• key features of Old Norse language structure and its connections to later language stages
• significant aspects of written language history from 1814 to the present day
• central characteristics of traditional dialectal diversity in Norway and major trends in modern language development
• important aspects of the current linguistic situation in Norway, with a focus on multilingualism, minority languages, and language policy
• the role of linguistic variation and change in the current Norwegian curriculum

SKILLS

The candidate can:

• apply key concepts from historical linguistics, dialectology, and sociolinguistics in discussions of linguistic variation
• analyze key linguistic features in historical textual material
• explain developmental trajectories from the Old Norse stage to contemporary spoken language
• analyze relevant linguistic features in both older and modern spoken language texts
• explain central aspects of Norwegian language policy and planning from 1814 to the present day
• discuss how linguistic variation relates to identity
• use knowledge of linguistic and cultural diversity as a resource in the Norwegian classroom
• initiate and lead exploratory work on language in Norwegian language teaching

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate:

• has experience with digital media and can facilitate its use in Norwegian subject contexts
• can use disciplinary knowledge for critical and constructive reflection

Learning methods and activities

Online lectures, one in-person seminar, one digital seminar, practical exercises, and collaboration through the learning platform. Students must have access to a computer with an internet connection.

Mandatory Activities:

Attendance at two seminars (one in-person seminar lasting two days and one digital seminar lasting two days) is mandatory.

Additionally, each student must submit two assignments, which must be approved by the course instructor. These activities are graded as pass/fail and are not part of the formal assessment. However, they must be approved for the student to be eligible to take the exam.

Both written assignments must include representations of both official Norwegian written standards (Bokmål and Nynorsk).

Compulsory assignments

• Attendance at two mandatory two-day seminars
• Up to two written assignments

Specific conditions

Course materials

A reading list will be made available no later than the start of the semester.