Orðakerfið

Orðakerfið is an Icelandic term that translates to "word system" or "vocabulary system." It refers to the collection of words and phrases that make up the Icelandic language, encompassing both its historical roots and modern usage. The Icelandic language is known for its conservatism, meaning it has retained many features from Old Norse, the language of the Vikings. This has resulted in a rich vocabulary, with many words having direct etymological links to their ancient predecessors.

One of the defining characteristics of Orðakerfið is its approach to neologisms, or new words. Iceland has a strong tradition of creating new Icelandic words to describe modern concepts and technologies, rather than adopting foreign loanwords. This is often achieved through compounding existing Icelandic words or by reviving old words with new meanings. For example, the Icelandic word for "computer" is tölva, a portmanteau of tala (number) and völva (soothsayer or prophetess).

The development and maintenance of Orðakerfið are partly overseen by institutions such as the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, which plays a role in lexicography and language preservation. Understanding Orðakerfið involves appreciating its historical depth, its unique word-formation processes, and its ongoing evolution as a living language.