The Norwegian used today was developed from the Old Norse language. The Vikings spread Old Norse across Europe and into Russia, making it the most widespread language of the time. During the 14th and 15th centuries the language began to transition from Old Norse to Middle Norwegian and eventually Modern Norwegian, which is used today.  Norwegian is the official language of Norway and is one of the working languages of the Nordic Council. English words of Norwegian origin include fjord, nook, krill, scrawny, trash, slump, dollop, and rig.