Viðtalum

Viðtalum is an Icelandic word that translates to "interviews" in English. It refers to the process of obtaining information through a conversation between two or more people. Typically, one person (the interviewer) asks questions, and the other person or people (the interviewee or interviewees) provide answers. This can occur in various contexts, including journalism, academic research, job recruitment, and even informal discussions.

In journalism, viðtalum are crucial for gathering news, understanding perspectives, and providing context to stories. Journalists conduct interviews to elicit quotes, background information, and personal experiences from individuals relevant to a particular topic. These interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call.

In the realm of employment, viðtalum are a standard part of the hiring process. Employers use interviews to assess a candidate's qualifications, skills, personality, and suitability for a job. Candidates, in turn, use interviews to learn more about the role and the company culture.

Academic researchers may conduct viðtalum as a qualitative research method to gather in-depth data on a specific phenomenon or to understand the experiences and opinions of participants. The structure of these interviews can range from highly structured, with pre-determined questions, to semi-structured or unstructured, allowing for more open-ended discussion. The term emphasizes the interactive nature of information exchange.