Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði Receives Inaugural Icelandic Language Encouragement Award
On the recent celebration of the Icelandic Language Day, Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði was honored with the first-ever Icelandic Language Encouragement Award, known as Íslenskusénsinn. This accolade was determined through a voting process and is part of the Westfjords community initiative, “Gefum íslensku séns,” which aims to elevate the status of the Icelandic language and engage the community in supporting language learners.
Embracing Demographic Shifts: The Call for Language Practice
With approximately a quarter of the Westfjords’ population holding foreign citizenship, this region has historically had the highest proportion of residents who speak Icelandic as a second language. Ólafur Guðsteinn Kristjánsson, a proponent of the initiative, highlighted the necessity for a shift in mindset. “Since 2010, we’ve witnessed significant demographic changes in Iceland,” Ólafur remarked. “There’s a notable increase in immigrants who lack the practice needed to learn the language effectively. The fundamental premise was to create a platform for people to practice Icelandic, as such opportunities were scarce, given that Icelanders often switch to English.”
Free Access to Community Educators
“Gefum íslensku séns” began as a volunteer project and has evolved into a collaborative effort between the Westfjords Education Center and the University Center of the Westfjords. “We’ve secured funding from two ministries, providing us with the resources needed to advance our work. Our goal for the coming year is to further develop the initiative and create a model that can be implemented nationwide,” Ólafur explained. The project includes various events, such as workshops, lectures, and theater visits.
Ólafur takes pride in offering all aspects of the project freely to participants, despite remunerating contributors. “Access to Icelandic should be free, in my opinion, with the community playing a pivotal role. Where else can learners practice Icelandic if not with native speakers or proficient users?” He emphasizes the project’s key aspect: engaging native speakers as community educators to promote the language’s prominence.
Language and Everyday Interactions
Ólafur stresses the importance of practical language use. “Learning a language isn’t confined to books. You can learn the words needed to order coffee or pastries and understand grammar in that context. But if you visit a bakery and aren’t spoken to in Icelandic, it conveys the message that the language doesn’t matter, which is nonsensical.” He points out that Icelanders are too willing to converse in English. “Most newcomers want to learn Icelandic, but the frequent use of English suggests that Icelandic isn’t necessary, which isn’t the case.”
Westfjords: Leading by Example
Ólafur notes a shift in mindset in the Westfjords. “This is an ongoing process, but I believe people in Ísafjörður are generally more aware.” The region has a longer history with immigrants. “Historically, this was where most immigrants settled. For instance, Australian migrant workers in Súðavík learned Icelandic quickly because English wasn’t an option.” The University Center of the Westfjords has offered Icelandic courses since 2007, incorporating the community into the learning process.
The Implications of a Bilingual Society
Ólafur views access to Icelandic as an equality issue. “You’ll never fully integrate into Icelandic society without some understanding of the language. While English is widely spoken, it isn’t an official language in Iceland.” He highlights the democratic implications, noting that some eligible voters can’t follow political discussions due to language barriers. “This poses a threat to democracy.” Additionally, children of immigrants face educational challenges and higher dropout rates. “Denying access to Icelandic deprives individuals of opportunities,” Ólafur states. “There are highly educated people here unable to find suitable employment.”
Lack of Icelandic proficiency contributes to social stratification. “We’re dividing the country into those who speak Icelandic and those who don’t, with predictable outcomes for those on the losing end.”
Debunking the Myth: Icelandic as a Manageable Language
Ólafur shares a personal story to illustrate his point. “My wife, born in Bosnia, moved here in 2021. How long do you think it took her to learn Icelandic? One year. I never taught her grammar, but I spoke to her exclusively in Icelandic. She was, in a way, an experimental subject in this matter.” He concludes by urging a change in perception. “We mustn’t view Icelandic as an insurmountable language. It’s not.” He encourages embracing the language and dispelling the myth of its difficulty.