Page "Old Norse" Paragraph 2

Old Norse was divided into three dialects: Old East Norse, Old West Norse, and Old Gutnish.

Old West and East Norse formed a dialect continuum, with no clear geographical boundary between them.

For example, Old East Norse traits were found in eastern Norway, although Old Norwegian is classified as Old West Norse, and Old West Norse traits were found in western Sweden.

Most speakers spoke Old East Norse in what is present day Denmark and Sweden.

Old Gutnish, the more obscure dialectal branch, is sometimes included in the Old East Norse dialect due to geographical associations.

It developed its own unique features and shared in changes to both other branches.