ickemodersmålstalare

ickemodersmålstalare is a Swedish term that translates literally to "non‑speaker of the I‑ced speech." The word is used primarily in linguistic and sociolinguistic studies to refer to speakers who deliberately avoid using a specific register or dialect in contexts where it might be expected. The term is coined by blending the Swedish words *icke* (not), *med* (with), *ors* (passive marker), *mål* (speech or language), and *talare* (speaker), highlighting the deliberate omission of a linguistic feature.

The concept emerged in the late 1990s as part of research into code‑switching practices among bilingual communities in Scandinavia. Surveys in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö showed that a significant proportion of bilingual Swedish–Danish speakers reported ickemodersmålstalare behaviour in professional settings, particularly where formal standards are emphasized. Researchers argue that this phenomenon reflects social identity strategies, power dynamics, and the management of linguistic attitudes.

In contemporary discourse, ickemodersmålstalare is often discussed in relation to language planning and policy. Teachers and language planners may encourage or discourage the practice, depending on whether uniformity or linguistic diversity is desired. The term also appears in sociopolitical analyses of digital communication, where users may suppress certain linguistic markers to align with perceived norms of professionalism or inclusivity.