Studies & Degrees in Danish Language and Literature (in Universities)

Choose where you would like to study Danish Language and Literature (in Universities):

There are numerous languages all over the world. Even when sorted and grouped, those under the European category are still in fact a lot to encompass in one sweeping. Hence, there are courses offered like the Danish Language and Literature program that focuses only on language and literature from a certain setting at a time – in this case, those relating to Denmark.

Danish language is actually classified as an Indo-European language (family of languages which includes most of those in Europe and some parts of Asia about India) and is further categorized as one of the (East Scandinavian) Germanic languages.

Danish is founded from a Scandinavian language, from which Swedish, Norwegian, and others have also been derived. This language actually dates back from 3rd century AD, where the oldest of related inscriptions were found. But after the Viking Age, certain changes led to the evolution and separation of the Scandinavian languages. This brought about the East Scandinavian tongues, which include Swedish and Danish, and the West Scandinavian languages under which Norwegian and Icelandic belong.

The Danish language has three main periods of development. Old Danish is practically the period where the first traces of the language were found in runes and various other locations. Middle Danish has quite a mixture of several dialects that include those of the provinces like Zealand and Jutland, among others. Moreover, numerous changes in the language occurred in Middle Danish. During this time, the language acquired a lot of loan words, specifically from German. Modern Danish, on the other hand, was the time when Danish started to be used as Denmark’s national language.

Danish Literature is rather a broad collection, specifically in terms of language. A lot of works included in this group are written not only in Danish, but also in Latin and in German. But roughly, this body of literature includes those produced throughout Denmark.

The earliest written accounts of both Denmark’s language and literature are found only in bits and remnants, dated as far back as AD 800. During the middle Ages, however, writing themes have shifted to religious and medical literature. Sometime around the 13th century, written works deal with such content like biographies of saints, medical textbooks, and priestly studies. During the Reformation, religious writing was only further pursued. To illustrate, in 1550, the first Danish Bible was made available in print. Spiritual hymns and poetry were also popular during this period. By the 17th century, the influence of the Renaissance is largely apparent in Danish literature. Classical and humanistic themes were widespread in hymns, plays, poetry, and ballads.

All the abovementioned, are integrated and discussed extensively during the course of the Danish Language and Literature program. Intensive training on analytical skills, writing, communication, documentation, and various others, are given to students taking this program. This is why a lot of doors are open for graduates of this course with respect to career opportunities.

Most graduates of the Danish Language and Literature Program go into the teaching profession. Some progress to post-graduate studies and afterward, teach in universities. Still others have gone on to establish careers in journalism, publishing books and other literary works, commerce, and others more.