When did the Faroese language begin to evolve as a distinct tongue?
A distinct Faroese language evolved between the 9th and the 15th centuries. The language probably remained mutually intelligible with Old West Norse during this period.
A distinct Faroese language evolved between the 9th and the 15th centuries. The language probably remained mutually intelligible with Old West Norse during this period.
Middle Irish language has had some influence on both Faroese and Icelandic due to intermarriage in the Irish Sea region. Place names like Mykines, Stóra Dímun, Lítla Dímun and Argir have been hypothesized to contain Celtic roots along with words for buttermilk, tail-piece of an animal, head, hand, bull, and pasture in the outfield.
Venceslaus Ulricus Hammershaimb and Jón Sigurðsson published a written standard for Modern Faroese in 1854. They set a standard for orthography based on Old Norse roots similar to that of Icelandic to represent diverse dialects equally.
Most recent classification by Hjalmar P. Petersen divides the language into four major varieties including North-Western Faroese, Central Faroese, Northern Faroese, and Southern Faroese. Additional sub-dialects of particular islands and villages have also been identified through phonological evidence.
Faroese replaced Danish as the official school language in 1937. It became church language in 1938 and national language by Home Rule Act of Faroe Islands in 1948.