What do Norwegians call Norway?

What do Norwegians call Norway?

Norwegians refer to their country by two official names: Norge in Bokmål and Noreg in Nynorsk. These two variations of the Norwegian language reflect the linguistic diversity within the country. Bokmål, which translates to “book language,” is the more widely used written form of Norwegian, while Nynorsk, meaning “new Norwegian,” is based on traditional rural dialects.

Growing up in Norway, I was exposed to both Bokmål and Nynorsk in school and in everyday life. The choice of which language to use often depends on the region and individual preferences. While Bokmål is dominant in urban areas and among the majority of the population, Nynorsk is more commonly spoken in rural communities and areas along the western coast.

The use of two official names for the country reflects Norway’s commitment to language preservation and diversity. It acknowledges the historical and cultural significance of different dialects and ensures that both written forms are recognized and respected.

In addition to the official names, Norwegians also use colloquial terms to refer to their country. One such term is “Norge,” which is widely used in both Bokmål and Nynorsk. It is a simple and straightforward way to refer to the country in everyday conversations.

Interestingly, the name “Norway” itself has its roots in Old Norse, the language spoken by the Vikings. The Old Norse word “Norðrvegr” meant “the northern way” or “the northern path.” Over time, this evolved into “Norway” in English and “Norge” in Norwegian. It’s fascinating to see how language and history intertwine to shape our understanding and perception of a place.

To summarize, Norwegians call their country “Norge” in Bokmål and “Noreg” in Nynorsk. These two official names reflect the linguistic diversity within Norway and are used alongside colloquial terms in everyday conversations. The historical roots of the name “Norway” itself can be traced back to Old Norse.