We Are Inlanders: The Experience of a Student in Icelandic as a Second Language

Translation: Lísa Margrét Gunnarsdóttir

I moved to Iceland in 2017, intending to stay for no more than 10 months. However, I fell in love with the country as so many others have. I decided to stay and learn the language, as I felt it was necessary in order to adjust to society. I soon learned how difficult of a language Icelandic is. There were countless times when I would listen to grammar lectures and fear I’d never be able to learn this language.

But what proved worse than the grammar was Icelanders’ response to me as a foreigner; it made it seem like nobody would even let me speak Icelandic. I am not alone in feeling this way, this is a phenomenon familiar to all who are in the process of learning Icelandic. Once you’ve mustered the courage to finally order in Icelandic at a restaurant, or ask an employee at a grocery store where to find a certain item, you’re met with a response in English. I don’t want to be angry with people who speak English to me, I know they don’t mean any harm. But what I don’t understand is why people who clearly understood what I said in Icelandic feel the need to respond in English. Why do they think I speak English, but not Icelandic? Is it because I speak with an accent? I can’t help but smile when an Icelander wants to ask me something and is unsure of whether I speak the language or not. Then they ask: “Are you Icelandic?” but not “Do you speak Icelandic?”, to which I reply (in Icelandic): “No, I am not Icelandic”. Even though I reply in Icelandic, our conversation will continue in English. Situations like this clearly demonstrate how interconnected nationality and language are in the minds of Icelanders. I try to have a sense of humour about it. So, when this happens, I reply back “Are you English?”. At first, people are surprised by my response, but then they realize that it’s possible to learn another language without acquiring a new nationality. 

Who is at fault? Is it the tourists who only speak English? Is it xenophobia? In my opinion, it’s nobody’s fault, but I do think it’s important to change how we speak to ensure that we’re inclusive and to change how people think about foreigners. My suggestion is to stop using the word “útlendingur” (foreigner, or literally, “outlander”). This word provides some insight into this particular issue and shapes our perceptions of one another. Someone who is out is not a part of society and can never belong, at least not in the minds of others. Kelechi Hastað and Sonja Steinunn have a podcast called “Innlendingar”, where they share the experiences of people with a foreign background who move to Iceland. This word, “innlendingar”, is exactly the word we should be using instead of “útlendingar”. Language affects our perception of the world, so let’s improve it. We are inlanders.