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Revision as of 21:23, 18 March 2023
I am excited to introduce you to the Estonian language and its rich cultural history. As an Estonian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I can truly say that this language is unique and beautiful. In this lesson, we will explore the different dialects of Estonian and learn about the efforts to preserve this incredible language.
Estonian Language
Estonian, also known as Eesti keel, is the official language of Estonia, a small country located in Northern Europe. With approximately 1.3 million people speaking Estonian worldwide, it is considered one of the least spoken languages in Europe. Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language and is closely related to Finnish, Hungarian, and Sami languages. It has been influenced by Slavic, Germanic, and Baltic languages as a result of the country's historical associations with these regions.
One reason why Estonian is considered unique is its system of 14 noun cases, which is more than any other living language. This may sound intimidating, but don't worry - in this lesson, we will focus on the basics! Estonian is known for its complex grammar, but it is also known for its beauty and expressiveness. It is a language that allows you to express yourself in very unique ways.
Estonian Dialects
As with most languages, Estonian has many different dialects. The most common of these, Standard Estonian or 'Üld-eesti keel,' is based on the North Estonian dialect. This dialect is considered the most prestigious and is used in formal situations such as government or academic settings. Standard Estonian is also the dialect taught in schools and used in the media.
Other dialects of Estonian include the South Estonian dialect, the Tartu dialect, and the Seto dialect, which is spoken in southeastern Estonia and has similarities to the Võro language spoken in the southern part of Estonia. Each dialect has unique features, such as variations in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Learning about the different dialects can give you a deeper understanding of Estonian culture and its regional differences.
Preservation of the Estonian Language
The Estonian language has a complicated history. Due to occupation periods throughout its history, there have been efforts to oppress and eradicate Estonian culture and language. However, Estonians have always fought to preserve their language, and this has led to a strong sense of cultural pride and identity. After Estonia regained independence in 1991, language policies were introduced to ensure the continued use and development of Estonian as a viable and thriving language.
Today, the Estonian government provides various resources to help preserve the language. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the language, and it is being taught in schools and universities throughout the world. Estonians are proud of their language, and you can hear it spoken in daily life, in music, literature, and in the arts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Estonian language is a beautiful and complex language with a rich cultural history. From its many dialects to its unique cases, Estonian is a language worth exploring. I hope this lesson has given you a glimpse into the beauty and importance of Estonian culture and language. In the next lesson of the "Complete 0 to A1 Standard Estonian Course," we will explore the vocabulary and grammar needed to have simple conversations in Estonian.
Stay curious and keep learning!
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Eesti keel | ['e.esti keel] | Estonian language |
| Üld-eesti keel | ['yld-e.esti keel] | Standard Estonian |
| Seto keel | ['seto keel] | Seto dialect |
| Võru keel | ['võru keel] | Võro dialect |
- Estonian is one of the least spoken languages in Europe with only around 1.3 million speakers worldwide.
- Estonian has a unique system of 14 noun cases, which is more than any other living language.
- Standard Estonian is the most widely spoken dialect and used in formal settings such as the government or academic settings.
- There are many Estonian dialects, each with its own unique features.
- Preservation of the Estonian language has been an important issue for Estonians throughout their history.
- The Estonian government provides resources to help preserve the language, and there has been a renewed interest in learning Estonian around the world.
Related Lessons
- Estonian history and traditions
- Estonian celebrations and holidays
- Estonia Timeline
- Estonian education and research
- Estonian politics and governance
- Estonian entrepreneurship and start ups
- Estonian music and arts
- Famous Estonians
- Estonian sports and leisure
- Estonian media and communication