BORGARBÓKASAFNIÐ
Sólveiga Ásta Sigurðardóttir - part-time lecturer at the Department of Icelandic and Culture at the University of Iceland, was interviewed about the library project Love Speech (Kærleiksorðræða) and her involvement in it.
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 sparked your interest in the project and made you want to participate?
I heard about the project through Dögg Sigmarsdóttir and Martyna Karolina Daniel, who invited me to participate by creating my own word. I found the idea so wonderful and humbling for me because I had never created in this way before. I immediately said yes and then we spent a few weeks thinking back and forth about what words I wanted to create. I've been creating words that I could use myself, so it's a bit autobiographical in my opinion.
Do you think the project can both strengthen Icelandic and make the language community more open? How so?
I think one of the most powerful things about the project is how it makes us all realise that language is alive and that we are all participants in it. There is nothing more important than creating positive connections between ourselves and the language, and this dictionary of new words aims to do exactly that: create connections between people and even new connections to the language. The more people participate in the language, the better.
Why do you think projects like Love Speech are important?
Languages are remarkable systems that are based on all kinds of perceptions, connections, ideas and experiences. However, in public discourse in Iceland, Icelandic is sometimes spoken of as if it is primarily a test of who is the best Icelander. This is a dangerous and limiting description of the language and it has a very serious impact on our society. The Dictionary of Love Speech is a project that celebrates the wonderful Icelandic language.
Why do we need new words?
Because the world is constantly developing, stretching and changing, and with new words we can see ourselves in that new reality. Then, coining new words requires us to look at what words already exist, there are many words in Icelandic that I have never heard of and the project was an incentive to get to know all that flora better. I set myself the goal of adding new words to my vocabulary every week, but I haven't quite done enough. Hopefully it will go better this summer.
What value do you see in the City Library taking the initiative for projects like the Love Speech?
Public Libraries are one of the most important institutions in our society, as they are involved in many social projects such as creating accessible spaces, promoting access to information and much, much more. They have good connections with various groups in society, especially through projects like the Love Speech.
Do you see the Love Speech project having a role beyond libraries? Maybe in your own work?
Indeed! I have already implemented the Love Speech project in the courses I teach in Icelandic and hope that more teachers will do the same.
More information:
Martyna Karolina Daniel
Project Manager - Equity and Community Engagement
martyna.karolina.daniel@reykjavik.is