In conclusion, it appears that Bokmal will be the most viable language to use as official tongue for Norway, since most citizens already speak it in a social capacity. Most children are also taught in this language, with Nynorsk functioning on only an administrative and "alternative instruction" level. It therefor makes better sense to make Bokmal the official language. A singular national identity will be easier to build. Politicians will be unable to use linguistic manipulation for political gain. In general, it is therefore best to use the most commonly used and spoken language as the national official language, rather than a tongue used mostly for administrative purposes. Greater focus will be achieved in both politics, education, and the workplace. When focusing on a single official language, greater intellectual and business excellence can also be achieved resulting from a singular national consciousness on the basis of language.
When visiting Norway, the traveller must be aware that there are two official languages, Bokmal and Nynorsk. The former is most commonly spoken among inhabitants, while the latter is generally used for official and administrative tasks. For the general tourist, then, the greatest advantage is to be derived from the most commonly spoken Bokmal.
For the tourist visiting Norway it makes the greatest sense to learn Bokmal. The most obvious advantage to this is that most of the country's inhabitants will be able to understand conversations made in Bokmal. Another advantage is that the language...
Bokmal has been in existence for longer than Nynorsk and also owes its origin to a more natural evolution than either Nynorsk or Common Norwegian, both of which have significant political connotations.
On the other hand, some may argue that, depending upon one's purpose for visiting Norway, a business person might benefit more greatly from learning Nynorsk. What one needs to keep in mind, however, is that business persons entering Norway will be communicating on a variety of levels, and not only with administrative or other business personnel. Hence, although Nynorsk is the "administrative" language in the country, the business person will be able to communicate more widely in Bokmal. This can then be used as a basis for access to business and administrative documents. If only Nynorsk were known to the individual, he or she might have difficulty communicating on a more social level, which will ultimately affect the ability to do effective business.
In conclusion, regardless of one's purpose in visiting Norway, the primary language that would provide the greatest advantage is Bokmal. This language provides access to a far greater number of people and purposes than Nynorsk. It also provides greater access to the country's cultural roots.
References
Bucken-Knapp, Gregg. (2003) Elites, Language, and the Politics of Identity: The Norwegian Case in Comparative Perspective. State University of New York Press.
