setningadálk

Setningadálk is a term used in Icelandic linguistic and educational contexts to denote a recurring column or section in textbooks and language magazines that focuses on sentence structure. The column typically presents model sentences, explains syntactic roles, and offers exercises to practice.

Etymology and scope: The word is formed from setning ('sentence') and dálk ('column' or 'section'). It is not a formal linguistic category but a pedagogical label that has appeared in Icelandic teaching materials, particularly in the mid- to late 20th century, and in some contemporary resources for language learners. Its usage is uneven and varies between publishers and schools.

Content and approach: A typical setningadálk introduces a short set of sentences illustrating a particular aspect of syntax, such as word order, agreement, or case marking in Icelandic. Explanations may include notes on grammatical function, and some entries use diagrams or exercises to identify subjects, verbs, and objects.

Purpose and reception: As a didactic device, setningadálk aims to help students recognize sentence patterns and improve grammatical accuracy. Because it is not a formal category in linguistic literature, references to the term are mostly found in educational materials rather than scholarly syntax discussions.

See also: setningafræði, málfræði.