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The Little Book of Icelandic
Icelandic is one of the oldest and most complex languages in the world. In this book, Alda Sigmundsdóttir looks at the Icelandic language with wit and humour, and how it reflects the heart and soul of the Icelandic people and their culture. Many of the Icelanders' idioms and proverbs, their meaning and origins, are discussed, as is the Icelanders' love for their language and their attempts to keep it pure through the ongoing construction of new words and terminology. There is a section on Icelandic curse words as well as Icelandic slang, which is mostly derived from English. Throughout, this book deconstructs Icelandic vocabulary, and the often-hilarious, almost naive, ways in which words are made.
This is a must-read book for anyone interested in the Icelandic people, their culture - and of course their language.
This is a must-read book for anyone interested in the Icelandic people, their culture - and of course their language.
163 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2016
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244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 2, 2018
I wish there were more books like this about languages – not a phrasebook or a linguistic treatise, but a sort of chatty, anecdotal overview. It takes a cheerfully unscientific approach, sometimes to a fault: the author, a native speaker, says proudly that she has no real understanding of Icelandic grammar, presumably on the basis that she wants her book about language to appeal to people who aren't really interested in language. (But in that case she shouldn't talk about the linguistics stuff at all – her explanation of how to pronounce the letters Þ and Ð is gibberish.) And she does, unfortunately, succumb to a lot of the usual fallacies that come up on this subject ([language in question] is insanely complex, and full of ‘untranslatable’ words – this one even has a chapter about all the local words for snow, which is a chestnut so hoary that one linguist wrote an entire book trying to debunk it), but I'm not going to get hung up on those, and if you can take all the editorialising with a hefty pinch of salt then there's a lot here left to enjoy.
Icelandic has not changed much since it was Old Norse, and native speakers can still read texts from a thousand years ago without much trouble. (I wonder how this changes your view of the world, having access to such a span of literary culture – perhaps that's why such a high proportion of Icelanders are published authors.) Being so isolated has presumably helped to keep the language fairly well-preserved – the only thing close to it is Faroese, which has a similar vocabulary but with some subtle, though significant, differences. Alda points to the term gildur limur, which in Faroese means ‘valid member’ (i.e. of a council or similar), but which in Icelandic means ‘thick penis’. All rise for the thick penis of international affairs…
Like many other European languages, Icelandic has an official body which regulates its use, and compared to most it's been noticeably more successful in introducing native neologisms to avoid (mostly English) borrowings – tölva, literally ‘number-prophetess’, for ‘computer’, and the like. There is a national Icelandic language day every year, and regular polls on the most beautiful Icelandic word (typical winners include bergmál ‘echo’ – literally ‘mountain voice’ – and sindrandi ‘glimmering, scintillating’). I was more interested to learn that parallel competitions to find the ugliest word in Icelandic have been organised. Right up there is the terrifying Icelandic term for ‘nipple’, geirvarta, which literally means ‘spear-wart’. Writers of erotica must really struggle…
There is also a lengthy section of Icelandic proverbs, my favourite of which is the expression for nipping to the toilet: "going to play chess with the Pope" (að tefla við páfann). Oh, and living in a German-speaking country, I was interested to note that the Icelandic word kindur means ‘sheep’; its similarity to German Kinder ‘children’ lies behind my favourite story from the book, about an Icelander visiting Germany:
Icelandic has not changed much since it was Old Norse, and native speakers can still read texts from a thousand years ago without much trouble. (I wonder how this changes your view of the world, having access to such a span of literary culture – perhaps that's why such a high proportion of Icelanders are published authors.) Being so isolated has presumably helped to keep the language fairly well-preserved – the only thing close to it is Faroese, which has a similar vocabulary but with some subtle, though significant, differences. Alda points to the term gildur limur, which in Faroese means ‘valid member’ (i.e. of a council or similar), but which in Icelandic means ‘thick penis’. All rise for the thick penis of international affairs…
Like many other European languages, Icelandic has an official body which regulates its use, and compared to most it's been noticeably more successful in introducing native neologisms to avoid (mostly English) borrowings – tölva, literally ‘number-prophetess’, for ‘computer’, and the like. There is a national Icelandic language day every year, and regular polls on the most beautiful Icelandic word (typical winners include bergmál ‘echo’ – literally ‘mountain voice’ – and sindrandi ‘glimmering, scintillating’). I was more interested to learn that parallel competitions to find the ugliest word in Icelandic have been organised. Right up there is the terrifying Icelandic term for ‘nipple’, geirvarta, which literally means ‘spear-wart’. Writers of erotica must really struggle…
There is also a lengthy section of Icelandic proverbs, my favourite of which is the expression for nipping to the toilet: "going to play chess with the Pope" (að tefla við páfann). Oh, and living in a German-speaking country, I was interested to note that the Icelandic word kindur means ‘sheep’; its similarity to German Kinder ‘children’ lies behind my favourite story from the book, about an Icelander visiting Germany:
So this Icelandic farmer meets a German, who very genially asks him: “How many children [kinder] do you have?”
The Icelander replies, “Oh about 200.”
The German is understandably taken aback, and exclaims, “Oh my! Is it not difficult to take care of so many?”
“Nah,” says the Icelander. “If it gets to be too much we just slaughter a few and eat them.”
February 25, 2017
Because I am getting married in Iceland this spring, and because I have an affinity for words and the idiosyncrasies of language, you can imagine my excitement for this highly appropriate book I was gifted for Christmas by a friend. This little book, written by an Icelandic native and translator, does not promise proficiency to its projected audience, but rather serves to entertain with the quirks, funny direct translations, and etymology of the old Germanic language that Icelanders fiercely preserve and protect. The book isn’t all anecdote and history, though—it does have a nice reference for the pronunciation of the Icelandic alphabet and key Icelandic communication words such as greetings, curses, and slang. Sigmundsdóttir has a knack for writing about something that many would regard as dry with such humor and flair, and I believe a love for language is not necessary to enjoy this book. My absolute favorite word I learned is the Icelandic word for dimples: Spékoppar. It directly translates to “mischievous fun pots.” I am happy to have great big dimples—all the better to keep all of my mischief in.
I currently have Alda Sigmundsdóttir's other book, "The Little book of Icelanders" in my shopping cart on Amazon. This book has truly catalyzed my excitement for our trip, and taught me a few words and phrases I can impress our Airbnb hosts with, ha!
I currently have Alda Sigmundsdóttir's other book, "The Little book of Icelanders" in my shopping cart on Amazon. This book has truly catalyzed my excitement for our trip, and taught me a few words and phrases I can impress our Airbnb hosts with, ha!
December 13, 2018
A well written & humorous book that focuses on culture and language of the Icelandic people. If you are a non-native speaker of the Icelandic language then this book will provide you an introduction to the basics of the language from pronunciation to greetings to common proverbs and idioms. It also provides some fun historical context as to why the Icelandic language has not really evolved in a thousand years and delves into the many idiosyncrasies surrounding the language. I found it very helpful and interesting as I try to wrap my head around this complex language. Hopefully, I'll one day be able to speak with my partner in her native tongue.
January 9, 2017
This book can be read by readers who are not going to learn Icelandic. It's very entertaining and contains a lot of interesting stories about words, language adaptation and phrases. But I think it's' main strength will be as a supplement for people who are trying to learn Icelandic. Why? Because there is so much packed into this little book. It gets you excited about Icelandic. It makes you curious about Icelandic. It makes you want to know more about Icelandic. In other words, it motivates the Icelandic learner to press ahead in spite of the difficulties and obstacles.
March 2, 2020
I received this item as a gift from a friend visiting Iceland—what a fun book!
There are many good things about this book:
- It knows its purpose/audience; this book doesn't get overly academic/jargony, but also doesn't "dumb down" content—it balances examples/details with interesting generalizations
- The typesetting looks nice: it is fun to see Icelandic writing!
- Short, read-able sections make this a good book to "pick-up-where-you-left-off"
The prose is lively and engaging, the illustrations are fun and non-cringe (c.f. trying to be anime-ish), and the content seems legit (from a native speaker).
For anyone interested in getting an impression of Icelandic in the 21st century, I would recommend this short and sweet read!
There are many good things about this book:
- It knows its purpose/audience; this book doesn't get overly academic/jargony, but also doesn't "dumb down" content—it balances examples/details with interesting generalizations
- The typesetting looks nice: it is fun to see Icelandic writing!
- Short, read-able sections make this a good book to "pick-up-where-you-left-off"
The prose is lively and engaging, the illustrations are fun and non-cringe (c.f. trying to be anime-ish), and the content seems legit (from a native speaker).
For anyone interested in getting an impression of Icelandic in the 21st century, I would recommend this short and sweet read!
May 30, 2019
A very amusing little book on quirks of the Icelandic language.
I love books like this - I find both languages and what makes a culture unique fascinating.
Some things for me to remember- 60+ words for snow, 100+ for wind. Many idioms involve oars. Different words for answering “yes” to a question depending on whether the question was formed with a negative. “Walk slowly through the door of mirth”. “Beached whale” = windfall.
I love books like this - I find both languages and what makes a culture unique fascinating.
Some things for me to remember- 60+ words for snow, 100+ for wind. Many idioms involve oars. Different words for answering “yes” to a question depending on whether the question was formed with a negative. “Walk slowly through the door of mirth”. “Beached whale” = windfall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
I just love Alda's books, so funny, witty and infomative. A joy to read.
January 20, 2018
Fun and friendly!
I love Iceland, and I love Alda's fun little books digging into what the country and its inhabitants are really like! Alda herself is such a warm and approachable lady, and her books are both informative and a joy to dip into. I've learned a lot and laughed a lot. Alda feels like a friend writing you a letter, great style!
I love Iceland, and I love Alda's fun little books digging into what the country and its inhabitants are really like! Alda herself is such a warm and approachable lady, and her books are both informative and a joy to dip into. I've learned a lot and laughed a lot. Alda feels like a friend writing you a letter, great style!
January 21, 2018
Charming and filled with mirth
A lovely entry to understanding and translating Icelandic and English-speaking western culture. A take on how Icelanders live as much as a phrasebook.
A lovely entry to understanding and translating Icelandic and English-speaking western culture. A take on how Icelanders live as much as a phrasebook.
April 1, 2017
Sigmundsdóttir es muy graciosa y muy amena cuando escribe. No sé cuánto de lo que cuenta el libro es cierto, pero sí que es entretenido.
Este no es un manual para aprender islandés, sino un librito con curiosidades del idioma, etimologías bizarras, comparaciones imposibles con otros idiomas, y una lista de frases y refranes y su historia.
Muy copado, sobre todo para los que se animan a estudiar el idioma.
Este no es un manual para aprender islandés, sino un librito con curiosidades del idioma, etimologías bizarras, comparaciones imposibles con otros idiomas, y una lista de frases y refranes y su historia.
Muy copado, sobre todo para los que se animan a estudiar el idioma.
February 26, 2017
Utterly entertaining and informative. We are taking a trip to Iceland in March and this book gave me a taste of the Icelandic people and their language. It is well written, researched and a hoot to boot!
April 23, 2016
The only thing disappointing was that, as I'm not in Iceland, I couldn't buy a hardcover copy to match my set of Alda's other Little Books :) Otherwise, I thought this was an absolute riot.
Want to read
May 28, 2016Entertaining, well-written, funny. A pleasure to read.
January 23, 2017
Good,light hearted fun.
April 28, 2017
Entertaining and informative. Loved it.
July 19, 2017
What a lovely read. The Little Book of Icelandic is full of interesting tidbits and insights. I had a hard time putting it down.
December 28, 2017
Cute little book. Lots of interesting information in a very informal and readable format.
January 1, 2018
A great book for anyone travelling to/travelling in Iceland who wants to know more about the complex language that is Icelandic. A quick and easy read and very entertaining.
January 30, 2019
Such a fun wee book. Lots of interesting stuff about the language.
Our family has decided to start using some of the idioms already - "I'm going to play chess with the pope" = I'm going to the toilet (speed chess if you want to be specific that you're only weeing); "to unravel someone's intestines" = to question someone or catch up with someone (come over sometime and I'll unravel your intestines!); "I'll get you in front of the cat's nose!" = I'm going to take you down; "to take someone to the bakery" = to scold someone or give them a thrashing (the All Blacks took Australia to the bakery!); and, "to soak one's brain" = to have a good think to enable you to make a good decision (I'll soak my brain and get back to you with my decision).
Our family has decided to start using some of the idioms already - "I'm going to play chess with the pope" = I'm going to the toilet (speed chess if you want to be specific that you're only weeing); "to unravel someone's intestines" = to question someone or catch up with someone (come over sometime and I'll unravel your intestines!); "I'll get you in front of the cat's nose!" = I'm going to take you down; "to take someone to the bakery" = to scold someone or give them a thrashing (the All Blacks took Australia to the bakery!); and, "to soak one's brain" = to have a good think to enable you to make a good decision (I'll soak my brain and get back to you with my decision).
January 20, 2023
Oh, what a delightful little book! This is NOT an Icelandic language learning book, but a book on the idiosyncrasies and quirks of the Icelandic language and Icelandic people. The writing was so fun and accessible in giving us small bite-sized pieces on just that, while also being so entertaining, and even addictive, I read this book in one sitting! Even if you're not planning on studying Icelandic, but have always been curious about the language, this is the perfect book for you. It gives us just enough entertaining and interesting information without overwhelming or boring us, and we leave with having more knowledge about Iceland, the language, and its people than before. I wish more foreign language books were written like this. A complete joy to read.
July 23, 2022
One of the cleanest and well edited self-published books I've read in years. I purchased it at Keflavik Airport prior to departure, mainly for the sections about the history behind Icelandic idioms, which could have been a book in itself. Some sections were possibly longer than necessary--one covering masculine and feminine articles in Icelandic could have been reduced to a couple of sentences, but other readers might enjoy those parts more than I did.
If the goal was to compel readers to read other 'little' books in this series by Sigmundsdóttir, I'm already there. Her command of language and lore is engaging. This book is a true Hvalreki.
If the goal was to compel readers to read other 'little' books in this series by Sigmundsdóttir, I'm already there. Her command of language and lore is engaging. This book is a true Hvalreki.
April 21, 2024
Terrific little book and a really interesting insight into Icelandic culture. I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone who loves Iceland and enjoys the challenge of trying to speak a foreign language. If you’re planning a visit to the country and you want to interact with the Icelandic people, one of the best ways to do that is to learn some simple phrases to use when you are out and about. Alda gives you a good starter with the basics, and some cracking idiomatic expressions most of which I would guarantee to raise a smile when you use them! I say most of the time… there are a few that are probably better unspoken!
December 26, 2018
This is not a book that one would read if one was interested in actually learning Icelandic, or if one had serious linguistic interests. But if you're interested in understanding a bit more about the Icelandic people through their odd linguistic tics, this is a perfect book for you. It feels and reads very much like an introduction to Icelandic culture, and I would recommend it to anyone who is considering a trip there.
January 7, 2023
Fun insights into Icelandic
My wife and I recently visited Iceland and we are obsessed with the place now. I saw this gem of a book there but had to wait because of luggage space.
As a language nerd, I love everything this book has to offer. Alda explains *everything*, so you literally don't need a word of Icelandic to understand. I will probably buy Alda's whole Little Book series 🍻❤️🇮🇸
My wife and I recently visited Iceland and we are obsessed with the place now. I saw this gem of a book there but had to wait because of luggage space.
As a language nerd, I love everything this book has to offer. Alda explains *everything*, so you literally don't need a word of Icelandic to understand. I will probably buy Alda's whole Little Book series 🍻❤️🇮🇸
February 12, 2019
This is a niche interest for sure, but this book offered fun little explanations about Icelandic words and language. My only gripe is that some of the explanations weren't exactly rooted in confirmed history, and this can lead to some credibility issues with the author. But that doesn't totally take away from the joy and zaniness of this language!
October 18, 2020
I originally picked up a couple of Alda's books (this one and The Little Book of the Icelanders) to aid in research I'm doing, not realizing I was going to tremendously enjoy them as much as I have. She has such a fun and witty writing style - I can't get enough of her, or of the Icelandic culture. I see she has a few more "little" Icelandic books out there, and I plan on reading them all!
January 5, 2023
Favorite part: Icelandic idioms! I don’t know how to pronounce it in Icelandic (I’ll stick with the English translation), but I’m gonna try to bring “seventeen hundred and sauerkraut” into my regular vocabulary.
Honorable mentions: peeing in your shoe won’t keep you warm for long, arrange your sails according to the wind, and blind is the man who has no books.
Honorable mentions: peeing in your shoe won’t keep you warm for long, arrange your sails according to the wind, and blind is the man who has no books.
November 24, 2023
4.5 stars. This is a great book to help one understand and attempt to translate the very difficult Icelandic language with some funny history and/or background stories. But I wish the author had included a pronunciation key for each word. I had to have a special website open at all times to remember how some of the Icelandic alphabet is pronounced.
April 2, 2018
Short but helpful overview of Icelandic as a language--not about how to speak it, but more about how it functions, what its quirks and strengths are, and so on. Both helpful and interesting. I would check out her other books too now.
September 25, 2018
Geekfest for language lovers!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It comes with the link to the author’s website where you can listen to her lovely voice pronounce these seemingly impossible words and phrases. The stories behind the expressions are fascinating.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It comes with the link to the author’s website where you can listen to her lovely voice pronounce these seemingly impossible words and phrases. The stories behind the expressions are fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews