Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This is the language mantra for Icelandic.
Instead of adopting loanwords from other languages, Icelanders create new terms using existing words and roots. They even recycle Old Norse words no longer in use!
Here are some Icelandic neologisms for new technology terms:
- Tölva (computer): A combination of “tala” (number) and “völva” (prophetess).
- Vélmenni (robot): A combination of “vél” (machine) and “menni” (person).
- Sjónvarp (television): A compound of “sjón” (sight) and “varp” (casting).
- Geimfar (spaceship): A combination of “geim” (space) and “far” (traveler).
- Veðurfræði (meteorology): A combination of “veður” (weather) and “friæði” (science).
Since “podcast” in a new concept, Icelanders created a new Icelandic word hlaðvarp by combining “hlaða” (“to load”) and “varp” (casting). Hlaðvarp translates into “loaded broadcast,” which is a creative way to describe a pre-recorded audio broadcast!
In addition to new tech words, there are new medical terms, social concepts, and trendy words to incorporate into the Icelandic lexicon:
- Hrútskyring (mansplaining): Substitute the Icelandic word “hrútur” (ram) in place of the English term “man” but keep “útskýra” (explain).
- Mammviskubit (mother guilt): The guilt modern mothers feel when distracted from parenting by work or their phones. Interestingly, no specific term for father guilt.
- Kúltúrbarn (nepo baby): This literally means “culture-child.”
Fun Fact: In Iceland, people are addressed by their first name regardless of status or position. Hi Gunnar! Hi Sigrún!
Names are also regulated in Iceland:
- First Names: There is an Icelandic Naming Committee that decides which new first names are allowed based on culture and language. Ariel and Armondo were recently rejected, but Althea and Arló were approved.
- Last Names: Most Icelanders choose their last name by picking either their mother or father’s first name, then adding “son” (son), “dóttir” (daughter), or the gender-neutral suffix “bur” (child) to the end.
Signing off as Gabríella Juliedóttir!
Read More:
Cox, Patrick (Host), May 14 2024, “Icelandic, the language that recycles everything” Episode 71, Subtitle podcast, production company Quiet Juice and the Linguistic Society of America, subtitlepod.com. Icelandic, the language that recycles everything – Subtitle (subtitlepod.com).
Hu, Caitlin (2019, June 2). Iceland is inventing a new vocabulary for a high-tech future. qz.com. Iceland is inventing a new vocabulary for a high-tech future (qz.com).
Kristinsson, Ari. (2020). Between Scylla and Charybdis: on Language Situation and Language Policy in Contemporary Iceland. Bendrinė kalba. doi: http://doi.org/10.35321/bkalba.2020.93.02.