Náttúrulegrar

Náttúrulegrar is a term used in Icelandic-language discourse to describe a tendency or category in how nature is represented in culture, science communication, and education. The word combines náttúra, nature, with a suffix form that yields adjectives and plural forms in Icelandic. As used in contemporary discussions, it denotes an approach that foregrounds natural processes, observable phenomena, and local landscapes, rather than purely abstract or technocratic perspectives. The term is not a formal academic field with fixed criteria; rather, it is an informal label that appears in articles, lectures, and curricula to signal a naturalistic or empirically grounded orientation.

In practice, náttúrulegrar can refer to literary, visual, or educational work that emphasizes accurate depiction of ecosystems, climate, geology, and biodiversity, often aiming to enhance environmental understanding and stewardship. Works described as náttúrulegrar may integrate traditional folklore or cultural memory, but keep attention on environmental realities and measurable phenomena.

The term is primarily regional and relatively new in usage, with no universal definition or codified standards. Critics note that, because it overlaps with established concepts such as nature writing, eco-criticism, and natural history, its boundaries can be fluid. Proponents argue that it provides a useful umbrella for discussions about how nature is observed, represented, and taught in contemporary Icelandic discourse.

See also: nature writing, eco-criticism, natural history, science communication.