dem

The Swedish word 'dem' is a fascinating and often discussed topic due to its historical usage and its relationship with the more commonly used 'de' and 'dom'. Understanding 'dem' requires a look at its grammatical function, its pronunciation, and its evolution in spoken and written Swedish.

Grammatical Function:

'Dem' is the objective form of the personal pronoun 'de' (they/them). In Swedish, like in many other languages, pronouns change form depending on their grammatical role in a sentence. 'De' is the subjective form, used when the pronoun is the subject of a verb (e.g., 'De äter' - 'They eat'). 'Dem' is the objective form, used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or a preposition (e.g., 'Jag ser dem' - 'I see them', or 'Till dem' - 'To them').

Pronunciation and the Rise of 'Dom':

Historically, 'de' and 'dem' had distinct pronunciations. 'De' was typically pronounced with a long 'e' sound (similar to 'day' in English), while 'dem' was pronounced with a shorter 'e' sound (similar to 'dem' in English, as in 'demon'). However, in spoken Swedish, a significant shift occurred. Over time, the pronunciation of both 'de' and 'dem' converged into a single, unstressed 'dom' sound (rhyming with 'bomb').

This spoken convergence led to a situation where, in informal speech, 'dom' became the de facto form for both the subjective and objective cases. This phonological development has had a profound impact on how Swedes perceive and use these pronouns.

Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism and the 'De/Dem' Rule:

For a long time, particularly in formal written Swedish, the distinction between 'de' and 'dem' was strictly maintained according to grammatical rules. Language authorities and school education emphasized the importance of using 'de' for the subject and 'dem' for the object. This prescriptive approach aimed to preserve the grammatical distinction.

However, the reality of spoken language, where 'dom' reigned supreme, created a disconnect. Many Swedes, even those who understood the grammatical rule, would mentally translate from their spoken 'dom' to either 'de' or 'dem' when writing, sometimes leading to errors. This tension between the prescriptive rule and descriptive usage (how language is actually used) is a classic linguistic phenomenon.

The Contemporary Landscape: 'Dom' as an Alternative:

In recent decades, there has been a significant shift in attitudes towards 'dom'. The Swedish Language Council (Språkrådet) and other linguistic bodies have increasingly recognized 'dom' as an acceptable alternative for both 'de' and 'dem', particularly in less formal writing. This acknowledgment reflects a more descriptive approach to language, acknowledging the natural evolution of spoken Swedish.

Today, you will often see 'dom' used in newspapers, magazines, and online content, especially where a more conversational tone is desired. While 'de' and 'dem' are still common in very formal contexts (e.g., official documents, academic texts), 'dom' has gained considerable ground and is widely understood and accepted.

When to Use 'Dem':

Despite the rise of 'dom', 'dem' is still grammatically correct and is used in specific situations:

1. 1Formal Written Swedish: In highly formal writing, adhering to the 'de' (subject) and 'dem' (object) distinction is still the norm and is often expected.

1. 1Clarity: In some complex sentences, using 'dem' can provide greater clarity, especially if there's a risk of ambiguity with 'de'.

1. 1Traditional Style: Writers who prefer a more traditional or classic style of Swedish will continue to use 'de' and 'dem'.

In Summary:

'Dem' is the objective form of 'de' in Swedish. While it has a clear grammatical role, its usage has been significantly influenced by the spoken form 'dom', which has become a widely accepted alternative for both 'de' and 'dem' in many contexts. Understanding 'dem' means appreciating its grammatical function, acknowledging the historical and ongoing influence of 'dom', and recognizing the evolving norms of Swedish language usage, particularly in written communication.