Greeting Norms

If you decide to travel to Iceland, then it will be a good idea to learn some basic greetings and expressions to get around.

For example:

• Welcome - Velkomin[female], Velkominn[male]

• Hello - Halló Good morning - Góðan daginn

• Yes - Já

• No - Nei

• Thank you very much - Takk fyrir

• Excuse me - Afsakið mig

• My name is - Ég heiti

• I don’t speak Icelandic - Ég tala ekki íslensku

• Do you speak English? - Talar þú ensku?

• Hvar er...Where is..?

Communication styles

Although the Icelandic language sounds nothing like English, you will be happy to know that it does use a Latin script for its writing system. This means that it uses an alphabetical system similar to that of the English language, however, employs some additional vowels and accented letters. With this addition, it may be a bit challenging for English speakers to learn the language.

With their writing system, letters like C, Q, W, and Z are hardly used in the language and it’s uncommon to use loanwords as with other languages. Icelandic is viewed as a phonetic language with complex vocabulary and grammar.

Icelanders are known to be very direct and straightforward when speaking to others. For some, this might come off as being rude, however, it’s not the case at all. So it’s good to remember not to take offense with the Icelanders' way of speaking.

They never over-promise nor deliver unreasonable expectations. Honesty and punctuality are extremely important qualities among Icelanders. Conversations are very engaging and informal.

Personal space and touching

When it comes to Icelandic culture, the people may appear to be quite shy or reserved being that they don’t want to come off as intrusive. However, just like with anyone else they warm up and are very friendly with others. Once women are acquainted, they normally kiss on the cheeks when greeting each other.

There are not many taboos in the culture and they behave in a very familiar way towards each other. One thing that you may experience while traveling on business to Iceland that is very uncommon in the US is that people will invite you to their homes to stay. Many will offer to give you tours of the country and will expect that you give them some honest feedback about their country.

Eye contact and gestures

In conversations, Icelanders are not so emotional and tend to be neutral. Firm handshakes are expected always and especially before and after greeting business partners. When greeting others everyone is on a first-name basis and eye contact should always be made with leaving anyone out of the conversation.