Creating a Literary-linguistic Atmosphere: Norwegian Nynorsk Literary Traditions as Inspiring Productions for Children and Youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT The literary museum tradition in Norway is dominated by a historical-biographical and site-specific approach to museum education. The Centre for Norwegian Language and Litterature, with its three museum departements, has choosen a different approach. By narrowing literature to patterns, ideas, and emotions and addressing current cultural phenomena, new groups of young audiences can relate to the literature. The museum argues that literary museums can reach new audiences by turning education from a historical-biographical approach to a more intangible literary-linguistic approach. This article discuss the purpose, the location, and the didactic approach of five touring programs. The programs show that if museums leave their sites, and site-specific approach, their potential to create different education and experiences increases. Museum education can be both a cultural experience and a learning resource, and this article argues that the cultural experience can be an important part of the education programs by literary museums.