Standard Language in Norway and Azerbaijan

Abstract

A standard or common literary language is a cultural and historical event. This language's oral and written form is based on the artistic needs of society and created as a result of particular necessities. The norms of the language are put forward through a standard language, and a neat, grammatically and phonologically "perfect" form of speech emerges. Moreover, a particular order is created, which is applied to local authorities, the press, and education, and they are expected to follow these language rules. Also, a standard literary language is essential for second language learners. Without a standard spoken literary language, foreigners meet difficulties in language learning. For instance, second language learners study a different form of Norwegian in the classroom. Still, they meet Norwegians who use a dialect daily, which can cause misunderstandings for foreigners. There is no official standard language in Norway. However, some linguists do not agree with this statement and associate standard language with prestige and high social status. On the contrary, Azerbaijan has an official common literary language in both spoken and written form. Norway and Azerbaijan's official languages have undergone a series of complicated historical development stages. Norway has two official written languages, bokmål and Nynorsk. Azerbaijan has one official written language, Azerbaijani. Even though Norway has no officially accepted standard spoken language, people sometimes follow standard speaking rules. However, people tend to use dialects or fail to use the standard form of language in Azerbaijan. Therefore, the analysis of the language society in these two countries is of interest.

Keywords

• official written language
• standard language
• norwegian
• bokmål
• nynorsk
• azerbaijani