Þjóðirnar

Þjóðirnar is the Icelandic term for “the nations” or “the peoples.” It is the definite plural form of the noun þjóð, which can denote a nation, a people, or an ethnolinguistic group. In Icelandic, the word is used in cultural and political contexts to refer to groups of people that share a common identity, language, or history. The definite plural form marks the group as a specific set of nations, as is common in encyclopedic or formal writing.

Etymology and form: Þjóð comes from Old Norse and is cognate with related Germanic terms for “people” or “nation” found in neighboring languages, such as Norwegian and Danish folk. The initial þ is a thorn letter, representing a voiceless “th” sound as in the English word “thing.” The plural form þjóðirnar combines the plural süt and the definite article -nar, signaling “the nations.”

Usage and nuance: In modern Icelandic discourse, þjoðirnar may appear in historical, legal, or academic texts when discussing international relations, national identities, or the concept of nation-states. It is not simply a synonym for ríki (state); rather, it emphasizes peoplehood and national or ethnic identity, though both concepts can appear together in a given discussion.

See also: þjóð, ríki, þjóðerni. The term aligns with the English “the nations” or “the peoples,” and its precise sense depends on context, ranging from cultural identity to discussions of international affairs.