Orðaforði

Orðaforði, in Icelandic, refers to the set of words known and used by a person, group, or language. It can describe an individual’s active repertoire in speaking and writing as well as the broader lexicon of a language or a specific domain such as science or law. The term is formed from orð (word) and forði (stock or reserve).

In linguistic and psycholinguistic usage, orðaforði is often divided into active (productive) vocabulary, words a person uses actively in communication, and passive (receptive) vocabulary, words recognized and understood but not regularly used. The size and composition of a vocabulary are influenced by education, reading habits, exposure to language, dialect, and age, and vary across speakers, writers, and contexts.

Measuring orðaforði involves methods such as vocabulary tests, analysis of written and spoken corpora, and estimations of vocabulary size. Researchers may examine lexical diversity, word frequency, and the balance between common and rare terms. In language planning and education, expanding the orðaforði is a central goal, linked to reading comprehension, academic achievement, and effective communication.

In Iceland and among Icelandic speakers, resources like dictionaries and lexical databases—such as the Orðabók Háskólans—support both language learners and researchers. These tools document vocabulary, track usage, and aid in the study of how the Icelandic lexicon grows and changes over time.