The Icelandic alphabet consists of 32 letters that preserve ancient Nordic linguistic heritage[1]. Known as íslenska stafrófið in Icelandic, this alphabet features unique letters like ð (eth), þ (thorn), æ, and ö that connect modern Iceland to its medieval past. The vowels include both standard forms and distinctively Icelandic characters, while the consonants preserve sounds that have disappeared from most other Germanic languages. Eth (Ð/ð) and Thorn (Þ/þ) represent sounds that once existed in Old English, making Icelandic a living museum of ancient Germanic phonology. Spoken by approximately 350,000 people[2] primarily in Iceland, this alphabet serves one of the world's most linguistically conservative languages.
Icelandic Vowel Letters
The Icelandic alphabet includes distinctive vowels like á, é, í, ó, ú, ý, æ, and ö that preserve ancient Norse pronunciation and create the melodic sound of modern Icelandic.
Icelandic Vowels (Uppercase)
Icelandic Vowels (Lowercase)
Icelandic Consonant Letters
The Icelandic alphabet contains 24 consonants including the ancient letters ð (eth) and þ (thorn). These consonants preserve sounds from Old Norse and create Iceland's distinctive linguistic identity.
For example:
In the word "þakka" (to thank), an everyday Icelandic word, the ancient letter þ (thorn) combines with consonants k and vowels a to create a sound that echoes through 1,000 years of Nordic tradition.
Icelandic Consonants (Uppercase)
Icelandic Consonants (Lowercase)
Icelandic Numbers
Punctuation and Symbols
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
References:
- [1] Íslenska málstöðin. "Íslenska stafrófið". Retrieved from https://www.islenska.is/is/um-islenska-stod/stafrofid
- [2] Statistics Iceland. "Population by mother tongue". Retrieved from https://www.statice.is/statistics/population/inhabitants/citizenship-and-country-of-birth/
- [3] University of Iceland. "Icelandic Language and Literature". Retrieved from https://www.hi.is/islenska
Sambhu Raj Singh ·