The present linguistic landscape of Sweden is entirely different than its previous linguistic landscape as it occupied great territory in the past. Swedish language which is its official language evolved in the early 14th and 15th century. However, there are several other languages that are being spoken in Sweden. Some of the formally recognized languages of Sweden are Sami, Yiddish, Meankieli, Finnish and Romani. These languages also dominate Swedish and are recognized as a language of the minority. Before World War 2, the German language was the most significant language in Sweden after that English replaced this language as the dominant language in Sweden.
What language is spoken in Sweden?
The official language of Sweden is Swedish. Swedish is considered to be the first language of almost every other person in Sweden. The remaining languages are considered as the secondary languages. The Swedish language resembles Danish and Norwegian. This language is also spoken in Finland by Swedes residing there. The Swedish language also dominates in the United States and other countries as it is spoken by Swedes.
If you were wondering what language is spoken in Sweden, you need to know that there are several languages used in Sweden however the most prominent and the most dominant minority languages of Sweden are as follow:
Finnish:
It is the most spoken minority language spoken since ages in Sweden. One good reason is Finland used to be a part of the Swedish Kingdom. Ethnic fins contribute to 5 percent of the total population in Sweden whereas, 470,000 people speak Finnish in that Sweden.
Meankieli:
Another significant language in Sweden is the Meankieli. This is also a Finnish language which is so closely linked with Finnish that it’s often considered as Finnish dialect. Around 40,000-70,000 people consider this language as their first language in Sweden, especially in the Torne Valley region. This is the reason these people are recognized as Tornedalian people.
Sami:
Another important minority language in Sweden is Sami which is spoken by Northen Scandinavia Sami people. The language comprises a great deal of loanword from Germanic languages such as Swedish, Finnish and so on. There are 3 various Sami languages that are recognized in Sweden which is spoken by 9/15 Sami people residing there in Sweden. The Sami language is usually in municipalities of Arjeplog, Gällivare, Jokkmokk, and Kiruna.
Romani:
It is another most important language of Sweden spoken by Romani people. They are a nomadic group who are tracing the origins to northern India. This Romani Language is closely linked with the northern Indian language. There is no specific area that can be claimed as the Romani speaking area as these people follow a nomadic lifestyle. Nevertheless, the Romani language is crucial in Sweden.
Yiddish:
Yiddish is the Germanic language. It serves as another most important language of Sweden spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. The Ashkenazi and the Sephardic Jews immigrated to Sweden as it served as a home to them. These people introduced this language; Yiddish which is written using a variant of Hebrew alphabet. Proper attention is given to this language and for its preservation in Sweden by its government. The Yiddish speakers are mostly adults in Sweden. The Yiddish society in Sweden was established to promote the language in Sweden.
The foreign language of Sweden:
German:
German was prevalent foreign language in Sweden from middle ages to World War 2 as Sweden were closer with Germany. A great number of the Swedish pioneer intellectuals were educated from the Germany universities who helped in spreading the German knowledge in Sweden. However, it changed after the Second World War and the German defeat. After the German, the most common foreign language is English which gained its popularity soon. Now, the German is not considered as compulsory language anymore in Sweden. However, it is being offered as an elective course in their educational institution.
English:
Another main foreign language of Sweden in English. This language is usually spoken by the young generation born after World War 2. The Sweden trade links with the immense American influence, travel to overseas English countries, cultural interchange and English speaking nation have increased the English popularity there in Sweden. Ever since 1952, the English are made compulsory for every student residing there in Sweden due to its importance.
Other foreign languages of Sweden:
The other prominent languages of Sweden includes Spanish and French. They further plan to introduce the Mandarin as well as another additional language, the Norwegian and Danish languages are also taught on various occasions and even to the native Swedish people residing there.