þjóðir

þjóðir is the Icelandic term for "peoples" or "nations," the plural form of þjóð. It is used to denote groups of people who share a common language, culture, or ethnicity and who may or may not align with political states. In Icelandic, the singular þjóð can refer to a nation in a political sense or to an ethnic community, while the plural þjóðir typically designates multiple such groups, as in discussions of the world’s peoples.

Etymology and history: The word derives from Old Norse and is cognate with related Germanic terms such as the English "folk." It traces back to Proto-Germanic *þeudō- meaning “people” or “nation.” In historical texts, including sagas, þjóðir is used to describe various tribes or peoples encountered by Norse communities.

Usage and nuance: In contemporary Icelandic discourse, þjóð refers to a people or nation in both cultural and political contexts. The term can denote ethnic communities as well as political entities, depending on the context, and is often contrasted with ríki, meaning "state." This mirrors broader linguistic distinctions found in other languages between a people and a state.

See also: ríki; þjóðernishópur and related concepts in national identity and ethnicity.