Was Swedish language freer in the past?

The common belief that Swedish spelling was largely unregulated before 1906 is a misconception, according to language expert Sara Lövestam. This idea, often found in discussions about historical texts and genealogy, suggests a period of linguistic free-for-all.

Lövestam clarifies that while spelling varied considerably, it was not entirely arbitrary. When the Latin alphabet arrived in Scandinavia around the 12th century with Christianity, it brought with it established spelling conventions. These norms were adapted to the Old Swedish language, but the resulting written form was influenced by regional dialects, local customs, and individual choices.

Therefore, the perceived freedom in historical spelling was more a reflection of diverse regional practices and personal interpretations rather than a complete absence of rules. The reality of Swedish orthography's evolution is more complex than the popular myth suggests.