fjölþjóðlegt

Fjölþjóðlegt is an Icelandic adjective meaning involving or relating to many nations, or characterized by participation from several different countries. It is used to describe entities, activities, or arrangements that cross national borders and bring together actors from more than one nation.

In usage, the term commonly appears in business, diplomacy, culture, and science. Fjölþjóðlegt fyrirtæki refers to a multinational company with operations in multiple countries. Fjölþjóðlegt samstarf describes cross-border cooperation among organizations or governments. The word can also apply to events, research projects, or cultural initiatives that assemble participants from various nations. In some contexts, it is used interchangeably with alþjóðlegt (international), though fjölþjóðlegt often emphasizes the involvement of many distinct nations rather than a purely international scope.

Nuance and related terms: while both fjölþjóðlegt and alþjóðlegt convey international aspects, fjölþjóðlegt tends to highlight multi-nation participation rather than a single international framework. The noun form fjöliðþjóðleiki (multinationality) or the more general fjölþjóðlegt eðli can refer to the quality or character of being multinational.

Etymology and forms: the word is built from fjöl- meaning many, þjóð meaning nation, with the adjective suffix -legt. Related nouns include fjölþjóðleiki, referring to the state or quality of being multinational.