BORGARBÓKASAFNIÐ
Branislav Bédi, a project manager in the International Department of the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies who carries out a variety of projects within the institute including the yearly international summer course in Icelandic, answered a few of our questions about our library project called Love Speech.
Love Speech is a project that emphasizes lived realities, emotional literacy and ownership of the Icelandic language. All those involved in the project are encouraged to create new Icelandic words. The words are then collected in a new dictionary which is kept in the Reykjavik City Library and available to consult on location. In addition to the object of the dictionary, we are creating a platform to discuss what is dear to us - our experience of communication.
What was it about the Love Speech project that got you interested?
"First and foremost, it was the idea of using positive words to express your feelings about the Icelandic language. Of course, people perceive the world around them differently, but this platform allows people to use Icelandic creatively, at any level of proficiency. Participants can connect their knowledge of different languages with their knowledge of Icelandic and create new words."
How can creative language workshops support or improve traditional language learning in Icelandic?
"People of foreign origin perceive Icelandic in diverse ways. This is due, among other things, to the fact that people use knowledge of their first language as a kind of basis for understanding Icelandic. This method has multicultural value and helps students of Icelandic as a second language to better understand the structure of the language, both in written form and spoken."
Can the participation of foreign people of different origins contribute to the development and preservation of Icelandic?
"Of course, the active participation of everyone can contribute to the development and preservation of Icelandic. It is just a question of what kind of development and preservation of the language we envision in the future. All languages in the world develop and change, which is completely natural. By promoting more active use of Icelandic in society, it would be possible to create a stronger language community in this country that makes it easier for more people to learn the language."
What obstacles do students face most when they start learning Icelandic in Iceland?
"The main obstacle, in my opinion, is that English is too often used in communication with people of foreign origin. As a result, students often have little or no opportunity to practice Icelandic."
Why is it important that an institution such as the Reykjavik City Library takes initiative in projects such as the Love Speech?
"Institutions can be good role models, and people often look up to them. Your project has a positive value for society, and it is important that other institutions support it."
Do you think the idea behind Love Speech has a wider relevance? For example, in your work and work environment? How?
"Yes, I think this project also has a relevance in my work, especially in connection with the international summer school in Icelandic language and culture that The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies and the University of Iceland organize every year. Many foreign students attend this popular summer school to learn Icelandic and learn about the country's history, nature, literature and society. Used there, Love Speech could create a new platform for increased communication in Icelandic."