Efnisþættir

Efnisþættir is an Icelandic term used to describe the substantive parts or content-related elements of a text, discourse, or dataset. The concept focuses on what is being communicated—the subject matter, information, arguments, or data—rather than on how it is presented. It is used across disciplines that study communication, media, education, and research methodology.

In practice, efnisþættir can include topics or themes, factual information, arguments and evidence, sources, data, examples, and conclusions. In journalism, identifying efnisþættir helps to describe the essential content of an article, such as the lead, key facts, context, quotes, and background. In academic writing or content analysis, researchers may code for efnisþættir like the research question or hypothesis, methodology, results, interpretation, and implications.

The term is typically contrasted with formþættir, which refer to structural or stylistic elements—the form in which content is delivered. This distinction helps analysts separate what is being said from how it is said. Efnisþættir is a common concept in Icelandic educational materials, media studies, and social science literature when outlining or evaluating the subject matter of a work, report, curriculum, or media product.

Etymology: efni means material or content, and þættir means parts or factors. Accordingly, efnisþættir denotes the substantive components of a work or dataset.