Pronunciation: [jˈʌŋɡə fˈʌθɑːk] (IPA) 
The Younger Futhark, also known as the Scandinavian runes, is a runic alphabet used in Scandinavia from the 9th to the 12th century. The spelling of "Younger Futhark" is [ˈjʌŋɡər ˈfuːθɑːrk]. The first sound is pronounced like the "u" in "cut". The "ng" is pronounced like the "ng" in "song". The stress is on the first syllable. The "th" is pronounced like the "th" in "think". The "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "father".
Younger Futhark is a term used to refer to a specific runic alphabet, which was the principal script used for writing in the Scandinavian region during the Viking Age (approximately 8th to 12th centuries). The term "Futhark" is derived from the first six runic letters: F, U, Þ, A, R, and K. The younger variant specifically distinguishes it from the Elder Futhark, an earlier runic script used in ancient Germanic societies.
The Younger Futhark consists of 16 characters known as runes, each representing phonetic sounds. It is a simplification of the Elder Futhark, as it contains fewer runes and focuses on the phonological changes that occurred in the Old Norse language. The runes are typically horizontal strokes, with additional lines or embellishments to differentiate between sounds. This script was primarily used for inscriptions on various objects like memorial stones, weapons, tools, and amulets.
The Younger Futhark runes can be categorized into three groups: the long branch, short twig, and the stave-less variants. The long branch runes were predominantly used in Sweden, while the short twig runes were common in Denmark and Norway. The stave-less runes are a later form, simplified even further, and were used mainly for short inscriptions or graffiti.
The Younger Futhark played an essential role in the recording of Viking Age history and culture, embodying the intense linguistic and cultural exchanges within the Norse world. Today, it remains an intriguing aspect of historical and linguistic research, providing crucial insights into the written communication methods and literacy of the early medieval Scandinavian societies.
The word "Younger Futhark" has its roots in Old Norse. "Futhark" comes from the first six letters of the runic alphabet: "F", "U", "Þ", "A", "R", and "K". The term "Futhark" was coined based on the names of these six letters.
The word "Younger" refers to the fact that the Younger Futhark was a later version or development of the original runic alphabet known as the Elder Futhark. The Younger Futhark evolved in Scandinavia around the 9th century and was in use until around the 12th century.
