Outgoing director elected chair of new “Give Icelandic a Chance” association
The Gefum íslensku séns (Give Icelandic a Chance) initiative, which began in Ísafjörður, has expanded beyond the region in recent years. To support and coordinate the work, a new association has been founded. Its board includes Eiríkur Rögnvaldsson, Eliza Reid, Martína Jansson, Ólafur Guðsteinn Kristjánsson, and Peter Weiss, who was elected chair.
The initiative grew out of Icelandic summer courses run by the University Centre of the Westfjords since 2007. A larger programme followed through funding from Erasmus and Nordplus, at one point bringing as many as 150 students in August; in recent years participation has typically been around 60–70 annually. A core message to locals was simple: students already know English—help them practise Icelandic in everyday life (even when ordering coffee).
From 2021 to 2024, the idea was developed into a wider campaign, involving partners such as Fræðslumiðstöð Vestfjarða and several municipalities, and it received recognition and grants. In 2024 it was awarded support from the (then) Icelandic Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs under Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, funding a half-time position and project costs for just over a year; the project was hosted by Fræðslumiðstöð Vestfjarða.
Looking ahead, the new association says the cause is too important to fade at this transition. Its guiding principle is that everyone who speaks Icelandic shares responsibility for the language’s place in society—by using Icelandic with learners whenever it’s a good opportunity (while recognising that high-stakes situations—healthcare, major financial decisions, serious conflict—aren’t the right time for language practice).
The ask is straightforward: give Icelandic a chance—with a smile.