What Language is Spoken in Greenland? A Deep Dive into Its Linguistic Landscape

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Greenland, the world’s largest island, has a fascinating linguistic landscape that reflects its indigenous heritage, colonial history, and modern global influences. Despite its small population of about 56,600 people, Greenland is home to a multilingual society where different languages coexist.

But what language is spoken in Greenland? The official language is Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), but Danish and English also play significant roles in daily life, government, and education. Let’s explore the languages spoken in Greenland, their historical significance, and how they shape modern Greenlandic society.

For a detailed exploration of Greenland’s language diversity, check out this comprehensive article.


Greenlandic: The Official Language of Greenland

The primary language spoken in Greenland is Greenlandic (Kalaallisut). Since 2009, it has been the sole official language of Greenland, marking an important step in preserving the island’s indigenous linguistic identity.

What is Greenlandic?

Greenlandic belongs to the Eskimo-Aleut language family and is closely related to Inuktitut, spoken by indigenous peoples in Canada and Alaska. Unlike most European languages, Greenlandic is polysynthetic, meaning that entire sentences can be formed by combining multiple word parts into a single long word.

Main Dialects of Greenlandic

Greenlandic consists of three main dialects:

  1. Kalaallisut (West Greenlandic) – The most widely spoken dialect, used by around 44,000 people. It serves as the standardized version of Greenlandic and is used in government, media, and education.
  2. Tunumiit (East Greenlandic) – Spoken by around 3,000 people in eastern Greenland. It has some distinct grammatical differences from English.
  3. Inuktun (North Greenlandic) – Spoken by about 800 people in the far north of Greenland. It is more closely related to Inuktitut, spoken in northern Canada.

These dialects have been spoken for thousands of years, long before European explorers arrived in Greenland.

For more insights into the Greenlandic language and its dialects, visit this in-depth guide.


Danish: The Lingering Colonial Influence

Although Greenlandic is the official language, Danish remains widely spoken, especially in government, business, and higher education.

Why Is Danish Still Spoken in Greenland?

  • Greenland was a Danish colony from 1721 to 1953, and Danish was the official language during this period.
  • Even after Greenland gained Home Rule in 1979, Danish continued to be used in government, legal systems, and education.
  • Many Greenlanders are bilingual, speaking both Greenlandic and Danish fluently.

Where Is Danish Most Common in Greenland?

  • In Nuuk (the capital city) and larger towns, Danish is widely spoken alongside Greenlandic.
  • Many official documents, signs, and public services are available in both Greenlandic and Danish.
  • Some older generations and Danish expatriates living in Greenland primarily speak Danish.

Despite its continued use, there is a growing movement to reduce dependence on Danish and strengthen Greenlandic-language education and media.


English: The Growing Global Influence

While English is not an official language in Greenland, it is becoming increasingly important, especially among younger generations.

Why Is English Becoming More Popular?

  • English is a required subject in Greenlandic schools.
  • It is commonly used in international business, tourism, and academia.
  • Many young Greenlanders prefer to learn English instead of Danish, seeing it as more useful globally.

Where Is English Spoken in Greenland?

  • Tourist areas and hotels in Nuuk and other major towns.
  • Among Greenlanders working in tourism and international trade.
  • In higher education and universities, where many academic materials are in English.

Although Greenlandic remains dominant, English is growing in importance as Greenland becomes more connected to the world.


Language Use in Daily Life: Greenlandic vs. Danish vs. English

How much of each language is spoken in Greenland depends on location, generation, and profession.

Situation Greenlandic Danish English
Rural villages & small towns Dominant Rarely spoken Rarely spoken
Nuuk & larger cities Common Very common Growing presence
Government & politics Official Still used in legal settings Limited
Schools & education Primary language Still widely taught Growing importance
Business & tourism Common in local businesses Used in larger corporations Essential for tourism

In remote villages, Greenlandic is the only language spoken, while in Nuuk, Danish and English are more common.


Language Policies and Future Trends in Greenland

Greenland’s Language Policy

  • In 2009, Greenland made Greenlandic the sole official language, emphasizing cultural independence from Denmark.
  • Schools are shifting towards more Greenlandic-language education, though Danish remains in higher education and legal fields.

Will Danish Disappear from Greenland?

Unlikely, at least in the near future. While younger generations prefer Greenlandic, Danish is still necessary for:

  • Studying in Denmark (Greenlanders have access to free university education in Denmark).
  • Working in government and professional fields.
  • Communicating with Denmark and international businesses.

The Future of English in Greenland

  • English is gaining popularity, especially among young people and professionals.
  • There are discussions about expanding English-language education to prepare Greenlanders for global careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Language in Greenland

Q: What Language is Most Common in Greenland?

Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the most widely spoken language, followed by Danish.

Q: Can You Live in Greenland Without Speaking Greenlandic?

Yes, but it depends on where you live:

  • In Nuuk and major cities, you can get by with Danish or English.
  • In rural villages, only Greenlandic is spoken.

Q: Is English Widely Spoken in Greenland?

Not widely, but it is growing in importance, especially in tourism, business, and education.


Final Thoughts: What Language is Spoken in Greenland?

So, what language is spoken in Greenland? The answer is mainly Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), but Danish and English also play important roles.

  • Greenlandic is the official and most widely spoken language.
  • Danish is still used in government, business, and older generations.
  • English is growing, particularly among younger Greenlanders and in the tourism industry.

As Greenland moves toward greater independence, the role of Greenlandic is strengthening, while Danish remains important, and English is on the rise.

For a deeper look into Greenland’s fascinating language landscape, check out this in-depth article.