Høgnorsk

Høgnorsk. Høgnorsk is a conservative, non-standardized written form of the Norwegian language based primarily on the linguistic legacy of Ivar Aasen and the rural West Norwegian dialects. It emerged as a distinct movement in the 20th century in opposition to the official reforms of Landsmål, which was later renamed Nynorsk. Advocates view it as a purer continuation of Aasen's original synthesis, resisting the incorporation of elements from the Danish-influenced Bokmål.

History and origins

The foundations of Høgnorsk are inextricably linked to the 19th-century work of Ivar Aasen, who meticulously documented rural dialects across Western and Central Norway to create Landsmål. Following Aasen's death, official language policy, guided by figures like Marius Nygaard and later the Norwegian Language Council, pursued a series of reforms aimed at bringing Landsmål closer to the spoken vernacular and the dominant Bokmål. Key moments of contention included the 1917 reforms and the contentious language struggles of the mid-20th century. The term "Høgnorsk" itself gained traction after the 1938 reforms, crystallizing as a protest movement against what proponents saw as the excessive "Bokmål-ification" of the standard, a process they derogatorily termed "Samnorsk" policy.

Linguistic characteristics

Linguistically, Høgnorsk preserves numerous archaic features that were altered or removed in official Nynorsk. This includes the consistent use of the feminine grammatical gender, distinct verb inflections like the preterite tense forms, and traditional diphthongs such as -au- and -ei-. Its orthography often mirrors older Landsmål standards, favoring forms like hjå (with) and skap (wardrobe) over the reformed med and skap. The vocabulary draws heavily from Old Norse roots and authentic Norwegian dialects, consciously avoiding loanwords from Danish and, increasingly, English that have entered other varieties.

Comparison with Bokmål and Nynorsk

Compared to the two official written standards, Høgnorsk's relationship is most directly with Nynorsk, from which it diverges as a conservative offshoot. While modern Nynorsk, as regulated by the Norwegian Language Council, incorporates many forms also permissible in Bokmål, Høgnorsk rejects these compromises. For instance, it exclusively uses the native Norwegian word eg (I) and rejects the Danish-derived jeg, which is allowed in both Bokmål and modern Nynorsk. In contrast to Bokmål, which evolved from the Dano-Norwegian koiné of the Danish era in Norway, Høgnorsk represents a wholly different linguistic lineage, prioritizing West Scandinavian dialectal roots over East Scandinavian influences.

Usage and modern status

Høgnorsk has no official status and its use in public administration, the education system, or major media like NRK is virtually non-existent. Its primary domain is among a dedicated community of activists, certain authors, and in niche publications. It finds expression in some periodicals, online forums, and through personal correspondence. The number of active users is small, and it is not taught in schools, though its principles are discussed within academic circles studying the Norwegian language conflict. Digital tools, such as spell-checkers developed by proponents, have helped maintain its written use in the internet age.

Cultural and political significance

Culturally, Høgnorsk is a potent symbol of linguistic purism and regional identity, particularly in areas of Western Norway like Sogn og Fjordane and Hordaland. It is deeply intertwined with the Nynorsk movement but represents its most traditionalist and ideologically purist wing. Politically, it has often been associated with certain factions within the Centre Party and with organizations promoting national cultural independence. The struggle for Høgnorsk is framed by its adherents as a defense of Ivar Aasen's original vision against state-led linguistic engineering and the homogenizing pressures of globalization.

Key proponents and organizations

Early influential figures include poet and polemicist Arne Garborg, who was a staunch defender of Landsmål's integrity. In the 20th century, linguist and activist Hans Olav Brekke was a central proponent. The organization Noregs Mållag has historically contained members sympathetic to Høgnorsk ideals, though it officially supports standard Nynorsk. More specific advocacy comes from groups like Høgnorskringen and the publisher Det Norske Samlaget, which has issued texts in the tradition. The online community and wiki, Wikipedia på høgnorsk, serves as a contemporary platform for its use and promotion.