Orðatökum

Orðatökum refer to new words or word combinations that people create to name phenomena, technologies, or cultural changes for which Icelandic previously had no established term. They arise in everyday speech, media, publishing, and educational contexts, and can become an important part of the evolving Icelandic vocabulary. The process often reflects a balance between linguistic innovation and language preservation.

The main methods of coining new words include: samsetningar (compounding) where existing roots are joined to form a new term; afleiðslu (derivation) using native prefixes and suffixes to create neologisms; and the adaptation or incorporation of foreign terms into Icelandic phonology and morphology. In some cases, direct translations or approximations of foreign concepts are produced as new Icelandic expressions. The outcome may be a fully accepted term, a temporary label, or a word that fades from use.

The deployment of orðatökum is driven by needs arising from technology, science, education, and social change. Language communities, publishers, and literacy authorities often influence which neologisms gain traction, aiming to keep Icelandic relevant while maintaining clarity and consistency in spelling and grammar. Some coinages persist and enter dictionaries and school materials; others remain marginal or disappear. Orðatökum thus illustrate how Icelandic adapts to new realities while reflecting linguistic identity.