Runes prove Elfdalian is distinct ancient Nordic language, say researchers

In Älvdalen, Sweden, local people still speak the ancient language of Elfdalian. Photograph: Marcus Lindstrom/Getty Images/iStockphoto

It is a distinct language that has survived against the odds for centuries in a tiny pocket of central Sweden, where just 2,500 people speak it today. And yet, despite bearing little resemblance to Swedish, Elfdalian is considered to be only a dialect of the country’s dominant language.

Now researchers say they have uncovered groundbreaking information about the roots of Elfdalian that they hope could bolster its standing and help it acquire official recognition as a minority language.