Orð og tunga - 01.06.2017, Qupperneq 50

40 Orð og tunga
Abstract
The school at Bessastaðir in Iceland (1805‒1846) prepared students for the clergy and
further studies at the University of Copenhagen. Despite its emphasis on classical
languages and theological studies it is considered to have had considerable infl uence
on the development of the Icelandic language and language norms in the 19th centu-
ry. The article discusses the status of the Icelandic language in the school curriculum
but it also highlights the multi-disciplinary nature of language instruction through
translations from Greek and Latin under the supervision of renowned experts in Old
Icelandic who also were keen supporters of Icelandic language vocabulary develop-
ment. Many able students built on this experience to pioneer the development of
Modern Icelandic.
Icelandic lessons in the Bessastaðir School timetable consisted of translations
from Latin and Danish with less emphasis on literature; some att ention was paid to
grammar while orthography varied. The school was cramped and the building not
fi t for purpose. This state of aff airs prevailed until the school moved to Reykjavik in
1846, which opened up great possibilities. Finally, teaching of modern languages,
including Icelandic, could be developed in the curriculum.
Timetables in the Reykjavik Grammar School show increased emphasis on the
subject Icelandic, both in number of hours and variety of content. Teaching of the
subject was prescribed by offi cial regulations and included Icelandic grammar as
well as modern and medieval literature. Standardised orthography was developed
and fi rmly established in the early years of the school by rules that were largely based
on Old Icelandic. These rules are still mostly applicable in modern day Icelandic
texts. The article describes these developments in the fi rst few years of the Reykjavik
Grammar School, largely based on the school᾽s archives and signifi cant essay mate-
rial from students at the time.
Alda Bryndís Möller
MA-nemi í íslensku
Hjallabrekku 6
200 Kópavogur
aldam@outlook.com
tunga_19.indb 40 5.6.2017 20:27:35