What is this symbol Ø?

The symbol Ø is primarily a letter used in several Scandinavian languages.

The symbol Ø (or its minuscule form ø) is a distinctive character primarily known for its use in several Northern European languages. According to linguistic descriptions, Ø (or minuscule: ø) is a letter used in the Danish, Norwegian, Faroese, and Southern Sámi languages.

Usage as a Letter

Unlike symbols used in mathematics or as placeholders, Ø functions as a full-fledged letter within the alphabets of specific languages. Its inclusion in these alphabets signifies its unique role in forming words and representing specific sounds.

Pronunciation and Sound Representation

The primary function of the letter Ø is to represent particular vowel sounds that are common in the languages where it is used.

• Danish, Norwegian, and Faroese: In these languages, Ø is mostly used to represent the mid front rounded vowels.
  • Examples of these sounds include:
    • [ø]: Similar to the 'eu' sound in French 'feu' or German 'schön'.
    • [œ]: Similar to the 'oeu' sound in French 'coeur' or German 'zwölf'.
• Southern Sámi: In contrast to the other languages, Ø in Southern Sámi is used to represent an [oe] diphthong. A diphthong is a vowel sound in which the tongue changes position to produce two vowel qualities within the same syllable.

Here's a brief overview:

Language	Usage	Primary Sound Representation
Danish	Letter	[ø], [œ]
Norwegian	Letter	[ø], [œ]
Faroese	Letter	[ø], [œ]
Southern Sámi	Letter	[oe] (diphthong)

Understanding the letter Ø provides insight into the phonetic systems and orthographies of these fascinating languages. While it might sometimes be confused with the diameter symbol or the empty set symbol (both of which look similar), its linguistic function as a letter representing specific vowel sounds is its primary identity in the context of languages like Danish, Norwegian, and others.