The word Inshallah (إن شاء الله) is included in the new updates to the Danish dictionary.
According to TV2, the Danish Association for Language and Literature has announced a new update to the Danish dictionary, Den Danske Ordbog, adding 351 new words, including the Arabic phrase “Inshallah,” along with 21 fixed expressions and 22 new meanings for existing words. This update is part of ongoing efforts to keep the dictionary up-to-date and reflect linguistic developments in Danish society.
New words reflect the changes in Danish society
Newly added words include modern terms like “Deepfake,” ”MeToo,” ”OMG,” and ”Apartheidstat,” as well as others reflecting cultural and technological changes such as “Icebreaker,” ”Misogyn,” and ”Ægreserve.” Some words have also acquired new meanings, including “AI,” ”røvhul,” and ”Listepik,” which have been redefined to encompass new uses in everyday language.
Documenting the development of the Danish language
The Danish dictionary is updated twice a year, as its publisher seeks to document the evolution of the Danish language over time. Lars Trapp-Jensen, senior editor at the Danish Language and Literature Association, explained that these updates reflect current trends and help dictionary users understand contemporary terminology and ongoing linguistic changes.
Concerns about dictionary funding
Despite its importance, the dictionary faces financial challenges that threaten its continuity. It is currently partly funded by the Danish Ministry of Culture and the Carlsberg Foundation, but the latter's support will end by the end of the year, raising concerns about the dictionary's ability to continue with future updates.
Karin Skovgaard-Petersen, director of the Danish Association for Language and Literature, warned that the lack of funding could lead to the dictionary being stopped being updated, making it outdated and unable to keep pace with linguistic developments, which could harm its users and limit its accuracy in documenting modern language.
The Danish dictionary remains a vital tool for understanding the language in its ongoing evolution, but its future depends on finding funding solutions that ensure its continuity as an accurate and up-to-date linguistic reference.
