tílka

Túlka is an Icelandic word that appears as both a verb and a feminine noun, with related terms used in the activity of language interpretation. As a verb, túlka means to interpret or translate, most commonly in the sense of oral interpretation. It covers situations where someone renders spoken language from one language to another, such as conversation at meetings, court hearings, medical settings, or conferences. In written language, Icelandic uses þýða for translating texts, while túlka is generally associated with spoken interpretation or the interpretation of meaning in broader contexts.

As a noun, túlka is the feminine form of the agent noun for an interpreter; the masculine form is túlkur. In practice, both forms refer to people who interpret, with túlka used specifically when referring to a female interpreter. The abstract act of interpreting is expressed by the noun túlkun, which denotes interpretation or elucidation of meaning.

Usage and context: túlka is used in professional and everyday settings where languages interact. Public services, legal institutions, education, media, and international events commonly involve interpreters who provide real-time or consecutive interpretation to facilitate communication. The term also extends to figurative use, where one might say to túlka a text or phenomenon means to interpret its meaning or significance.

Etymology and related languages: the Icelandic root is cognate with similar verbs in other Nordic languages, such as Norwegian tolke and Swedish tolka, all derived from a common Proto-Nordic origin related to interpretation and translation.