Ég hef verið að læra Íslensku!

It is true!  For the past three weeks I have been teaching myself the Icelandic language at Icelandic Online, which is a service provided by the University of Iceland.  I am sure that visitors to this blog have noticed that it is largely written in English.  This is because of my respect of the Icelandic culture - I do not want to attempt to write or speak the language until I can do so with some degree of proficiency.  I plan on making posts in Icelandic when I learn more of the language, however.


For me it is important for immigrants to embrace the culture of the country they are immigrating to.  In the United States, we have many diverse cultures because we want people to immigrate here, and this diversity is a good thing.  However, the federal and local governments in the US make it so that proficiency in English is not required in many cases.  Most forms and publications, including websites, are available in dozens of languages other than English.  Even school textbooks are available in other languages.  Of course, all of this comes at a cost to the American taxpayer.  I have met people in the US that have been here for more than 30 years and they cannot speak any English.


I feel that if I want to move to a country whose native language is different than mine, then it is my obligation to learn that language.  How else would I become a productive member of that society?  What better way is there to begin integration into a different culture other than learning the language of that culture?  Really, regardless of if one were to either move or visit a country, it is certainly wise to know at the very least basic phrases and vocabulary.  What if you need a policeman, or a doctor, or a mechanic?  How do you read a menu or find your way around?


It is dangerous and foolish to assume that people everywhere speak your language, and unfortunately that is the point of view of many Americans.  I suppose the thinking is along the lines of "since English is prevalent throughout the world, then why should I learn another language".


I am not a stranger to learning languages.  I went to a private school and while I was there I studied French for five years.  This intensive level of exposure to a foreign language was much more than simplistic conversational phrases as we were reading French literature and Paris Match magazine during the third year.  It was a great experience and by learning how to learn a new language, I was prepared to teach myself other languages in the future.


In addition to being taught French, I have taught myself German, Korean, Russian, and Japanese.  The last three of those languages I had only learned at a conversant level, but I can assure you that if I had been dropped off in Seoul, Moscow, or Tokyo I could get something to eat, find my way around, get medical care, and perform other basic functions.  I am not bragging but I do not know any other American that speaks more than two languages fluently.


Yes, I know that many Icelanders speak English.  Still I know that if I am to live in Iceland I will not be happy if I have to rely on my knowledge of English.  Icelandic is a wonderful language and there are aspects of it that can be challenging, but that is fine - I enjoy a challenge.