Sõnateadlik Tuglas
The Word-Conscious Tuglas

Summary/Abstract: The development of Friedebert Tuglas into a professional writer can hardly be observed separately from the development of Estonian into a civilized language. With his South-Estonian background of Tartu dialect Tuglas must have put forth remarkable effort and linguistic talent to become a master of the North-Estonian literary word. To a certain extent his diction was influenced by the years lived in Finland. As to the linguistic renewal initiated by Johannes Aavik Tuglas first took it with caution rather than enthusiasm. Later, however, in 1915–1925 he became an ardent advocate of the reform, both in theory (essays) and practice. In the 1920s Tuglas masterfully imitated the style and word choice of the Estonian writings from the 19th as well as 17th century, as is proved by his travelogue from Norway, translations of Aino Kallas, and his historical short story. Thus, Friedebert Tuglas has demonstrated great expertise in his use of Estonian lexical treasures, sweeping from early literary usage to Aavik’s neologies, adding some words from his native dialect as well as some items of newer European cultural vocabulary.

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