ávarps

Ávarp is a noun in Icelandic that denotes a direct address to an audience; the plural is ávarps. It refers to a formal speech delivered to a group, typically at ceremonial, official, or religious occasions. An ávarp is usually spoken by a host, a dignitary, or a guest speaker and may serve to welcome, honor, mark an occasion, or motivate listeners.

In literary usage, ávarp can describe an address directed at a person, a group, or even an abstraction, a figure of speech akin to the apostrophe in English. In public and ceremonial contexts, the form is characterized by a prepared structure, direct address to listeners, and an appropriate tone for the occasion. It is common in Icelandic parliamentary, religious, and community events to designate certain moments as ávarp, such as opening remarks or formal welcomes.

The term appears across registers from formal oratory to ceremonial talk and is used in journalism and documentation that describe speeches given by officials or hosts. As an element of rhetoric and public discourse, ávarp constitutes a recognizable category of speech acts within Icelandic linguistic and cultural practice.