SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

What Is "Rikssvenska"?

Rikssvenska, which translates to National Swedish, is a standardized dialect that developed sometime in the 1600s.

» Updated: 05 October 2024, 24:19

» Published: 18 September 2024

What Is "Rikssvenska"?
Photo: Envato

Sweden is a long country with many different spoken dialects, but something began to change in the 17th century. At this time, Sweden recognized the importance of having an impressive capital city as a status symbol to reflect its growing power. The development of Stockholm as the capital meant that many noble families moved to the city to embrace a more modern way of life.

This new population in Stockholm primarily spoke regional dialects such as västgötska, småländska, sörmländska, and uppländska. As the nobles socialized and interacted, their dialects began to influence each other, and this blend of dialects formed the basis of what we now call rikssvenska.

Originally, the Swedish standard of pronunciation was shaped by the everyday speech of the upper class and nobility. However, over the last few centuries, the rise of a middle class has led to a standard form of Swedish that more closely aligns with how words are written. Despite this evolution, many similarities between today's spoken Swedish and the mix of accents from the 1600s can still be found.

Source: Språktidningen

Saga V. BohinenS
By Saga V. BohinenFeature Writer & Columnist

More news

Good jobs with good pay that don't require long education

Good jobs with good pay that don't require long education

Why Are Swedish Houses Red?

Why Are Swedish Houses Red?

Black Friday & Week - How Do You Find The Best Deals

Black Friday & Week - How Do You Find The Best Deals

What is Swedish Filmjölk?

What is Swedish Filmjölk?

7 Difficult Swedish Idioms And Expressions

7 Difficult Swedish Idioms And Expressions

How To Survive Swedish Winter - 4 Tips From A Swedish Expert

How To Survive Swedish Winter - 4 Tips From A Swedish Expert

Importance of Generation Z in Sweden and Globally

Importance of Generation Z in Sweden and Globally

What tax rules apply to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Sweden?

What tax rules apply to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Sweden?

Julkalendern - The Yearly Swedish Christmas TV Show

Julkalendern - The Yearly Swedish Christmas TV Show

What to do if your bicycle is stolen in Sweden

What to do if your bicycle is stolen in Sweden

AI Music Tops the Viral 50 Chart in Sweden

AI Music Tops the Viral 50 Chart in Sweden

Young people and energy drink consumption in Sweden

Young people and energy drink consumption in Sweden

Have you eaten at Sweden's best hamburger restaurant?

Have you eaten at Sweden's best hamburger restaurant?

Sweden to America - The Great Emigration of the 19th Century

Sweden to America - The Great Emigration of the 19th Century

Major Banks Lower Mortgage Rates Following The Swedish Central Bank's Decision

Major Banks Lower Mortgage Rates Following The Swedish Central Bank's Decision

The Most Popular Cat Breeds In Sweden

The Most Popular Cat Breeds In Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden