Learning outcome

After the successfully completing the course, the student will be able to elaborate on the linguistic changes that account for the diversity of modern Norwegian dialects. He/she will have gained an overview of the most important diachronic developments from Proto-Norse to the present, including both internal changes in the language and external factors. In addition, the student will be able to identify Norwegian regional variants on the basis of the various dialect characteristics. The course will provide knowledge of the relationships between various forms of language variation and social conditions. The student will also be able to evaluate the texts of second language users and be aware of the various interlanguage features.

Course Description

The development of the Nordic languages and variations up to the present. Norwegian dialects and general sociolinguistics.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Autumn semester, 6 hours per week for a period of 15 weeks. Lectures and seminars.

The course is part of the Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Language with a specialization in Norwegian, as well as the 1-year programme in Norwegian; the course is mandatory for students who wish to be qualified to teach Norwegian in primary and secondary schools.

Assessment Methods

Portfolio assessment with 2 individual papers (home assignments), which count for 40%.

5-hour final examination which counts for 60%. The assignments must be written in bokmål. Students must achieve passing grades for the submitted assignments and the final examination in order to achieve a passing grade for the course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean