A rare Viking language is alive in Sweden

Developed from the common Norse of 1000-1500 years ago and in isolation for close to 800 years.

Elfdalian ("Övdalian") has evolved from the common Norse language of 1000-1500 years ago that was spoken across northern Europe. There are many indications that Elfdalian has evolved in relative isolation for about 800 years.
Local politicians have agreed to build a new preschool in the remote community of Älvdalen in central Sweden. It happens to be where some 60 children are growing up speaking Elfdalian, a language that dates back to Viking times. Politicians voted this week to try to save the dying language by setting up a new preschool where it will be taught. Pupils who begin learning the language at age 6 will keep it as part of their curriculum until they turn 18. Until recently it was regarded as a Swedish dialect, but it is now being considered a minority language; Elfdalian (or Älvdalska) could very well survive with this new effort.
Ulf Kirchdorfer's book, "Swede Among the Rednecks" - available at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ztt7kbr" target="_blank">“Amazon”</a> or through Nordstjernan, 1.800.827.9333
"I think it will have a great impact because so far what we have seen is that children who grow up with Elfdalian at home but don't get any in school conceive Elfdalian as unimportant and they switch over to Swedish," said Yair Sapir, associate professor of Swedish Language at Lund University. Älvdalen is home to 2,500 people and is where Princess Sofia spent much of her childhood; it is the only place where the language is actually spoken. The princess does not speak the rare language but has expressed interest in learning it.
When newlyweds Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia made their first official royal visit to Älvdaling in the fall of 2015, Princess Sofia said: “Sadly I grew up as part of a generation where [learning to speak Elfdalian] was not particularly cool,” she said. “So I’ve a lot of homework to catch up on to be a true Älvdaling.” Photo: SVT
For more info, see www.alvdalen.se or www.visitdalarna.se/en/visitidre/alvdalen/
When newlyweds Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia made their first official royal visit to Älvdaling in the fall of 2015, Princess Sofia said: “Sadly I grew up as part of a generation where [learning to speak Elfdalian] was not particularly cool,” she said. “So I’ve a lot of homework to catch up on to be a true Älvdaling.” Photo: SVT