The language predominantly spoken in Shetland today is a regional dialect of the English or Scots language.
The Evolution of Shetlandic Speech
While contemporary Shetlandic is closely related to English and Scots, its linguistic heritage is profoundly connected to the islands' Scandinavian past. This distinctive language form was established with the arrival of the Vikings in Shetland around 850 AD.
Key aspects of the language spoken in Shetland include:
- Modern Classification: It is recognized as a specific regional dialect of either the English or Scots language.
- Deep Historical Roots: The language's foundation is firmly embedded in Shetland's Scandinavian history.
- Viking Origins: The linguistic characteristics trace back to the language introduced by the Vikings when they arrived in the islands approximately 850 AD.
