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Hlutverk

Hlutverk is an Icelandic noun that denotes the role, function, or part that someone or something plays within a larger system. It can refer to social roles in a family or organization, the part a character plays in a drama, or the function of an object or component within a technical or procedural context. The term is used across disciplines to describe how elements contribute to a whole and how responsibilities are distributed.

Etymology: The word is formed from hlut- meaning part or piece and verk meaning work, deed, or

Usage: In sociology and everyday language, hlutverk describes expected behavior and duties associated with a position,

Examples: In a family, the mother may have a fullt hlutverk as the caretaker of the home.

function.
The
combination
conveys
the
idea
of
the
"work"
or
function
assigned
to
a
part
of
a
system.
The
term
is
documented
in
Old
Norse
and
has
cognates
in
other
North
Germanic
languages.
such
as
foreldra
hlutverk
(the
role
of
a
parent)
or
hlutverk
leiðtoga
in
a
workplace.
In
theatre,
it
names
the
character
an
actor
portrays,
for
example,
"hann
gegnir
hlutverki
konungs"
(he
plays
the
role
of
the
king).
In
linguistics
or
philosophy,
it
can
refer
to
the
function
of
an
element
within
a
structure.
In
technology
and
systems
engineering,
hlutverk
can
denote
the
intended
function
of
a
component.
The
actor
in
a
play
performs
the
hlutverk
of
the
king.
The
emphasis
of
a
system
design
is
to
ensure
hvert
hlutverk
kerfisins
er
executed
reliably.