THE HISTORY OF THE DANISH LANGUAGE

Abstract

The article covers the main stages of Danish language history development, outlines the state function in regulating the language issue in the country and the establishment of language norms. The author gradually proves that the history of language is closely linked to the social history development. The history of the Danish language dates back to the Runic language, which in 200 arose under the influence of Roman culture. The author emphasizes that the Danish language developed simultaneously with Scandinavian languages, Germanic languages and is under the considerable influence of Anglo-American culture. Language legislation in Denmark is regulated at the state level, the special attention is paid to spelling rules. Separately, the article deals with ministerial orders and the Council on Danish linguistic policy recommendations, which regulate the issue of the Danish language development. Also, the author considers in detail the most significant periods for the development and formation of the Danish literary language. At the present stage of development, the Danish language is influenced by the English language. According to Danish linguists, the process of significant influence of English on the Danish language began in 1945. The study proved that 80% of new words in the Danish language were borrowed from English. Despite the fact that the Danish population is fluent in two languages – Danish and English – there is no question of bilingualism in the country, because young Danes are becoming more and more alert to their native language when learning foreign languages. At the same time, the Danish language experienced a great deal of influence from the German language, but borrowing from the German language did not get used to the Danish language because of a significant confrontation with the German-speaking world due to the tragic historical failures of Denmark, when in 1864 Denmark lost the war with Germany under Prussia and part of Denmark became part of Germany. The Danish government has pursued a consistent policy of preventing the influence of the German language in Danish.