Swedish Secrets: 10 Lesser-Known Facts About the Swedish Language
Swedish, the official language of Sweden and one of the official languages of Finland, has had a significant impact on the history, culture, and socio-political landscapes of Scandinavia. While it may be known for its musical intonation and unique sounds, there are plenty of hidden gems in its history and current usage. Here are ten facts about Swedish that may surprise you:
1. Ancient Runes:
Before the adoption of the Latin alphabet, the Norse in Scandinavia used runic alphabets. The earliest of these runes date back to the 2nd century AD, with the Younger Futhark runes being used during the Viking Age.
2. Swedish and Norwegian:
Swedish and Norwegian are quite similar, so much so that they are usually mutually intelligible. This means that a Swede can understand Norwegian and vice versa, although some dialects can be trickier than others.
3. Elfdalian, the Forest Language:
Elfdalian, spoken in a remote part of Sweden, is considered by many linguists to be a separate language rather than just a dialect of Swedish. It has preserved many archaic features not found in standard Swedish and even has its own runic inscriptions.
4. Loanwords from French:
The Swedish language borrowed a significant number of words from French during the 18th century, when France was a major cultural influence. Words like “toilette” (toilet) and “paraply” (umbrella) have French origins.
5. Swedish in the USA:
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, significant numbers of Swedes emigrated to the United States. As a result, there were pockets of Swedish-speaking communities, especially in states like Minnesota. Some words, like “smorgasbord,” made their way into the English language.
6. The “Sju” Sound:
The Swedish word for seven, “sju,” is notoriously tricky for non-natives to pronounce. It’s a fricative sound that doesn’t exist in English and many other languages.
7. Alphabetical Additions:
The Swedish alphabet consists of 29 letters. It includes the entire English alphabet plus three additional letters: å, ä, and ö. They are not considered accented variants but separate letters, and they come at the end of the alphabet.
8. A Tradition of Dialectal Diversity:
Sweden boasts a rich tapestry of regional dialects, some of which are so distinct they might be considered separate languages. These dialects can vary significantly from standard Swedish in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar.
9. The Influence of Technology:
Swedes are known for their digital prowess, and this extends to their language. They’ve coined words like “mobiltelefon” (mobile phone) and “datamaskin” (computer). Additionally, the Swedish Language Council adds new words annually, many influenced by technology and global trends.
10. A Singular “They”:
Like English, Swedish has adopted a gender-neutral pronoun. The word “hen” is used as a gender-neutral singular pronoun, much like “they” is used in English. It’s an example of how language evolves to reflect societal changes and awareness.
Conclusion:
With its Viking roots, historical changes, and modern-day quirks, the Swedish language offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of language. Its interplay with neighboring languages, adoption of foreign terms, and innovative approach to new vocabulary make it a vibrant and ever-evolving tongue that continues to resonate in today’s globalized world.