Víslenska is a project at the University Centre aimed at offering Icelandic language courses for foreign scientists in Iceland, with the goal of increasing their scientific vocabulary and communication skills, while also promoting greater professional use of Icelandic.

A growing number of foreign researchers, scientists, and specialists work at Icelandic universities, workplaces, or research institutions. In general Icelandic language education, the focus is on the basics of the language, but it is often assumed that specific terms related to a profession or individual fields of study will be learned through the workplace or self-study. Due to the workload within the research environment and because English is often considered the international language of science, foreign scientists lack the Icelandic proficiency needed to participate in scientific discussions and policy-making. For example, a scientist with a PhD might not be able to express themselves in Icelandic to the extent expected of an Icelandic PhD holder, which could hinder career advancement. Improved professional Icelandic proficiency benefits not only the individual but also Icelandic society. 

We are seeking two types of participants for this exciting project:

  • Foreign researchers, scientists, or specialists with B1/B2 Icelandic proficiency who want to improve their ability to communicate in Icelandic, both spoken and written. There is no fee for this course.
  • Researchers, scientists, or specialists with Icelandic as their native language to act as mentors or instructors, who will be paid for their work.

About the course:

Participants will take part in a course where they receive instruction and training from Icelandic speakers with similar educational or professional backgrounds. The course will last around 40-50 hours, with a focus on both spoken and written Icelandic. At the end of the course, participants will give a short presentation in Icelandic at a conference in Reykjavík about their work or studies.

After the course, participants (in the role of students) will have:

  • Participated in discussions about the Icelandic words used in their field of research.
  • Written a detailed abstract of their research or work in Icelandic.
  • Practiced presenting their research orally, both to the general public and within the scientific community.
  • Prepared and delivered a short presentation in Icelandic on their research or work.

The course will begin with group discussions where students and mentors discuss concepts and ideas. The role of the mentors is to participate in discussions and review the written material prepared by the students. The entire course will be online, except for the conference itself, which will be held in Reykjavík in March/April 2024, with the exact date to be announced later.

Interested individuals can contact Catherine Chambers, Research Manager at the University Centre of the Westfjords (cat@uw.is)