Iceland is known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its deep-rooted linguistic purism. While many countries adopt foreign words with ease—particularly English terms in the digital age—Iceland stands apart in its effort to preserve its language’s purity. But why do Icelanders resist new words, and how does this compare with other languages?

The Role of Linguistic Identity
Icelandic is a North Germanic language that has changed very little since the Viking Age. This makes it a strong symbol of national identity. Introducing foreign terms can feel, to many Icelanders, like diluting that heritage. Instead of adopting “computer,” Icelandic uses tölva—a blend of tala (number) and völva (prophetess). This practice strengthens cultural continuity and linguistic independence.

Official Language Policies
The Icelandic Language Council plays a major role in coining Icelandic alternatives to foreign words. Unlike in English or even German—where Computer is widely accepted—Icelandic deliberately avoids loanwords. Similarly, France has the Académie Française, which tries to replace English imports like email with courriel, but these efforts meet varying levels of success.

Public Sentiment and Education
Icelanders are generally proud of their language and educated in its history, which supports resistance to linguistic change. In contrast, languages like Swedish or Latvian (both available in our courses) are more flexible. For instance, Swedish commonly uses mobil (mobile phone), borrowed and slightly altered from English, while Latvian adapted internets from English with ease.

Examples Across Languages

• Icelandic: Tölva (computer), veðurspá (weather forecast)
• Latvian: Internets, selfijs (selfie)
• Finnish: While also protective of its language, Finnish uses tietokone (knowledge machine) for computer, showcasing a similar creative spirit.
• German: Handy (mobile phone), a unique pseudo-English term

Iceland’s resistance to foreign words is not just a linguistic quirk—it’s a deliberate effort to preserve a cultural and historical legacy. As language learners, understanding these dynamics offers insight into not only vocabulary but also national identity. Whether studying Icelandic or other languages with unique approaches to vocabulary, the intersection of language and culture is always worth exploring.