Hástöfum

Hástöfum is a term used in Icelandic linguistics to refer to a diacritical mark placed above a vowel. Primarily, it signifies a change in pronunciation, often indicating a longer vowel sound or a shift in its quality. This mark is not merely decorative but plays a crucial role in distinguishing between words that would otherwise be spelled identically, thus altering their meaning.

The most common vowel affected by the hástöfum in Icelandic is the 'a', which becomes 'á'. This 'á' sound is distinct from a plain 'a' and is often described as similar to the 'ow' sound in the English word "cow" or the 'ai' in "aisle." Other vowels can also be affected, though less frequently. The presence or absence of the hástöfum can fundamentally change the meaning of a word. For example, the word "faðir" means "father," while "fáðir" would refer to something that is "obtained" or "received."

Understanding hástöfum is therefore essential for reading and writing Icelandic accurately. It is a key element of the language's orthography and phonology, contributing to its unique character and aiding in precise communication. The convention is applied consistently across the language, making it a predictable feature for learners once the phonetic rules are understood.