Lögberg-Heimskringla - 07.04.1989, Blaðsíða 5

FÖSTUDAGUR 7. APRÍL 1989-5
The Icelandic language
It is always interesting to read in
the Morgunblað articles on new
words being considered and adapted
into the Icelandic language. The lan-
guage reaches far back into history
and for that reason is unique. It has
changed little over the centuries, and
warrants preservation. In our rapid-
ly changing world., new terminolo-
gy is being created which affects our
daily usage in conversation and the
written word. They are not necessar-
ily all of a technical nature but their
frequency of usage makes them
important.
The recent terminology they have
been studying pertains to air travel.
As we have noted previously, they
invite suggested words to describe
items and situtations. They go on to
explain, a few weeks ago there was
a story published about air travel ter-
minology. Readers were requested to
express their opinions on new words
meaning standby. The committee on
words dealing with air travel indicat-
ed these words would be associated
with waiting, as for example bið-
farþega, (waiting passengers), bið-
farseðla (waiting tickets), (waiting
fares).
Many readers have turned towards
the editor of the word committee, J.
Margrét Guðnadóttir, with new
ideas. For example the suggestions
were received such as, Væntifarþe-
ga (expectant passengers), (hope pas-
sengers), or vonarfarþega (hopeful
passengers), væntifargjöld (expectant
tickets), (hope tickets), snapmiða
(snap up ticket).
The committee is of the opinion
that the best word is Biðfarþegarnir
(waiting passengers).
The article góes on to discuss the
word radio which has become radíó.
To replace it would require three
words in place of the adopted word.
These would be útvarpstæki (broad-
casting equipment), þráðlaus tæki
(wireless equipment), loftskey-
tatækni (air message equipment).
As you can tell from the foregoing
explanations, it is no simple task to
select new words which retain the
elements of the Icelandic language,
are readily adaptable, and are likely
to be taken into general use. E.A.
Only in Iceland
By Herb Beck
Two years ago when I had an op-
portunity to return to Iceland after
over 21 years absence I experienced
an interesting episode that I would
like to relate.
As everyone knows when one
drives a car from a side street into a
main thoroughfare one has to do one
or two things — either come to a
complete stop or yield to the oncom-
ing traffic, and this is generally ob-
served by most although there are
few non-compliant souls that some-
times cause some trouble for the rest
of us law-abiding citizens.
Anyway, when visiting in Reykja-
vík, Iceland's capital city, I was
generously given the use of a car by
my cousin Nína, who told me that I
could use it whenever I pleased.
One bright sunny morning I decid-
ed to drive down to the city from the
outskirts where I was staying. As I
emerged towards the main thorough-
fare named Miklabraut (the great
boulevard) I instinctively slowed
down to a reasonable speed expect-
ing a yield sign as I was about to
enter that road. However, as I did not
see any, I thought that perhaps the
sign had been broken down, or at
least been misplaced. At that time, to
my amazement, the féllow in the car
Old ones and Icelandic
By Benedikt Gills
This is a message to other old ones
like me who are interested in learn-
ing to speak, read, and write the
Icelandic language. A beautiful lan-
guage it is, steeped in history and
mystery.
If you have dreamed of entering an
Icelandic class at the U. of M. it is in
the realm of the possible. I did, and
I am in no way unique. If you do
have any thoughts of exploring the
possibilities for yourself, we have a
fine, fine teaching staff in the persons
of Dr. Kirsten Wolf and Hulda Karen
Daníelsdóttir. Be assured that they
will answer any of your inquiries
with grace and good humor.
We students are deadly serious
about learning the language, though
some would wonder at times when
gales of laughter are emitted from our
classroom into the corridor. Yes, we
have a very good time. If you choose
to come along I guarantee you'll not
for a moment be bored.
We students each have our
strengths and weaknesses. My weak-
ness is Icelandic adjectives, and I
swear, if it takes a big club to beat
them into submission, that is what I
will do.
j | mmSBpB
Herb Beck
behind me began honking his horn,
waving at me and shouting some-
thing, (I could well imagine what!)
and I realized that the traffic in the
lane that I was about to enter was
moving into the second lane thus giv-
ing me room to enter.
Later, discussing this with Nína,
she laughed and said that in Iceland
traffic entering a main thoroughfare
always has the right-of-way.
Lesson learned: Make sure you
know the traffic regulations
whenever you travel to another
country.
Benedikt and classmates.
Looking back
Heimskríngla Jan. 19, 1888
Africa: News came to Cairo, Egypt
shortly before Christmas, that Afri-
ca Stanley has arrived hale and
hearty with his group at Emins Bay
west of the Nile.
* * *
P.T. Barnum, the famous show-
man, has made a bid to acquire the
Great Eastern Line ship. He is going
to use it as a floating theatre. He in-
tends to feature large shows on the
ship similar to the Fall of Babylon
which was shown on Manhattan Is-
land, New York last summer.
Jan. 2, 1890
Women's organizations battling for
the right to vote at all public elec-
tions, have sent out notices request-
ing delegates to a meeting in
Washington. The meeting com-
mences Feb. 18th. The purpose is to
consider more aggressive methods as
a means to obtain these rights.
* * *
Lögberg Jan. 30, 1902
Miss A. S. Hördal, Miss Theodora
Hermann, Mr. H. Þorolfsson, and
Mr. B. Olafsson left for Dakota
yesterday to hold song concerts at
various places advertised in this
paper.
We can assure Dakota people good
entertainment. These people sing
well. In addition to singing there will
be an orchestral ensemble.
Working To Keep Our Heritage Alive
CANADA ICELAND
FOUNDATION
SECRETARY: PH. 1-204-453:3022
Mrs. S. Borga Jakobson
205 Montrose St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3L9

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TELEPHONE: (204) 284-3120
FAX: 453-4032
Þjóðræknisfélag íslendinga í Vesturheimi
FORSETI: NEIL BARDAL
Winnipeg, Manitoba
70th Annual Convention commences
4 p.m. Fri., Mar. 31 through April 1 and 2, Wynyard, SK
THE ICELANDIC NATIONAL LEAGUE
308 Portage Place 393 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB. R3B 3H6
Tel. 942-2705