Definition
The Nynorsk salmebok is a hymnbook compiled in the Nynorsk written standard of the Norwegian language, intended for use in worship services, particularly within the Church of Norway and other Christian congregations that employ Nynorsk liturgy.
Overview
Nynorsk, alongside Bokmål, constitutes one of the two official written forms of Norwegian. The Nynorsk salmebok assembles a selection of Christian hymns—both translations of internationally known texts and original works—rendered in Nynorsk. The collection has been used to support the liturgical goal of providing worship materials that reflect Norway’s linguistic diversity, allowing congregants who use Nynorsk as their primary written language to participate in services in a language that aligns with their cultural identity.
Several editions of a Nynorsk‑focused hymnbook have been published throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. These editions typically include:
- Traditional Lutheran hymns translated into Nynorsk.
- Contemporary Norwegian hymnody authored in Nynorsk.
- Psalms and spiritual songs selected for liturgical suitability.
The hymnbooks are often organized by liturgical season (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, etc.) and by thematic categories (praise, confession, thanksgiving, etc.). They may be accompanied by musical notation for congregational singing.
Etymology/Origin
- Nynorsk* derives from “ny” (new) and “norsk” (Norwegian), a term coined in the 19th century to denote the language form created by Ivar Aasen, based on rural Norwegian dialects, as an alternative to the Danish‑influenced Bokmål.
- Salmebok is a compound of “salme” (hymn) and “bok” (book), literally “hymn book.”
The concept of a Nynorsk‑specific hymnbook emerged alongside the development of Nynorsk as a written standard, reflecting the desire to provide worship resources that matched the linguistic reform movement championed by Norwegian cultural nationalists.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Language | Exclusively Nynorsk, adhering to the orthographic norms established by the Norwegian Language Council. |
| Content | Mix of translated classic hymns (e.g., Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress”) and original Norwegian compositions. |
| Structure | Typically arranged by liturgical calendar and thematic headings; includes indexes for first lines, authors, and composers. |
| Musical Notation | Provides melody lines, chord symbols, and occasionally full four‑part harmonizations. |
| Usage | Adopted by Nynorsk‑speaking congregations, schools, and choirs; often used in conjunction with the national Norsk Salmebok for broader repertoire. |
| Editorship | Edited by committees appointed by the Church of Norway or by independent liturgical societies; notable editors have included theologians and hymnologists specializing in Nynorsk literature. |
Related Topics
- Nynorsk – The Norwegian language form based on rural dialects, officially recognized alongside Bokmål.
- Bokmål salmebok – Hymnbooks compiled in the Bokmål written standard.
- Norsk Salmebok – The principal hymnbook of the Church of Norway (most recent edition 2013), which includes hymns in both Bokmål and Nynorsk.
- Ivar Aasen – Linguist and poet who created the Nynorsk language standard.
- Liturgical Music in Norway – The broader tradition of hymnody and worship music within Norwegian Christianity.
Note: While the existence of specific printed editions titled Nynorsk salmebok is documented, detailed publication histories (such as exact years and editorial committees) may vary between sources. Accurate information on particular editions should be verified against official Church of Norway publications or the Norwegian National Library catalogue.