Iceland-+Culture+Gram


 * __Iceland__**

__Introduction:__ When you think of Iceland, most people think of an icy country somewhere in the ocean. Realistically, it is a flourishing, beautiful green country with a low population in the northern Atlantic ocean. It is known for mountains, geysers, blue lagoons and prairies. Icelanders have a way of life that is similar and can be unusual to our traditional customs today.


 * //Chapter 2: Communication//**

__Language:__ In 1944 after Iceland gained independence Icelandic became the official language of the country. Danish and Norwegian were spoken before their independence when Iceland was governed by Norway. As Icelandic is apart of the Northern Germanic language nearly 300,000 people speak it in Iceland, Canada, and the United States combined. German is also widely spoken as well. It is also one of the oldest living languages in Europe.

__Greetings:__ Greetings in Iceland are usually addressed to friends and relatives. Simple greetings include a kiss on the cheek and eye contact when talking and meeting with someone also a handshake between one another at the start and end of a gathering. Only the President and Bishop of Iceland are the only people addressed formally in Iceland. "Bless" is to say goodbye, and "Godan daginn" when greeting a stranger which simply means hello or happy.

__Tone of Voice:__ It is normal for individuals in Iceland to be very direct in their speech, and no offense should be taken.

__Nonverbal Communication:__ Few hand expressions are used while talking in Iceland. Smoking is prohibited in public, and eating on the street is not normal except for hot dogs and ice cream in the summer.

__Definition of Obscenity:__ In Iceland tipping is seen as rude and unnecessary because it is included within the bill. Most obscenities are similar to the United States today.


 * //Chapter 3: Behavior//**

__Courtesy:__ Dressing neatly and casual in public is important to Icelanders in which many people spend much time on this. If a guest arrives they are expected to have a small bouquet of flowers as a courtesy. Hosts are expected to invite unexpected visitors into the home. When throwing a party the seat of honor is on the right side of the host as well. Most parties end around eleven-thirty at night. The Icelandic telephone book is arranged by peoples first names as a sign of respect for their unique names. Many icelanders remove shoes in a hallway before entering a home, and say "please" and "thank you" when in appropriate situations.

__Body Language:__ Body language has not been important in Iceland. Many tourists believe and see Icelanders as gruff and unapproachable until the meet and converse with one another.

__Personal Space:__ Icelanders like to keep to themselves and their families, but can gather for folk festivals where joyous dancing and songs take place.

__Rules of Conduct:__ Punctuality is important in Iceland. Icelanders will usually inform the host if they are going to be late for the party or event.

__Touching:__ Holding hands in families and in folk festivals is common but not to the direct stranger.

__Eye Contact:__ Along with the handshake, eye contact may be used with a polite greeting.


 * //Chapter 4: Work//**

__Concept of Time:__ Many stores in Iceland open around eight in the morning and may close around seven in the evening. The twenty-four hour clock is also used so there is no misunderstandings.

__Tempo of Work:__ Wages are often low for normal jobs in Iceland, such as babysitting for a family.


 * //Chapter 5: Family//**

__Ideas of Childrearing:__ Children are the centers of attention in Icelandic families. Classes are often given to Icelanders about rearing and parenting in high school. Therefore, teenagers are familiar with allowed methods of rearing. Also, in 2003 spanking was outlawed in Iceland which made it become punishable by law if seen or reported.

__Notions of Leadership:__ Education is important and considered a basic right. Higher education is optional but may be continued to whom can afford minimal registration fees. Education is mandatory between seven and sixteen years of age. The literacy rate is one of the highest in the world at 99.9%. Higher education studies to become a leader include: -Philology -History -Literature -Medical engineering -Social sciences -English -Danish

__Notions of Adolescence:__ The adolescence age in Iceland is from about seven years old until a person turns sixteen. After sixteen an Icelander would be considered an adult.

__Preference for Competition or Cooperation:__ Iceland's growing economy leads them to be internationally competitive and politically stable.

__Attitudes toward Dependents:__ Icelanders attitudes generally vary from person to person. Some people can be nice and open-minded while others are close-minded, straight talking, and keep to themselves.

__Sources:__

www.ominglot.com/writing/icelandic.htm www.icelandexport.is www.iceland.is www.kwintessential.co.uk/ www.icelandhorse.is www.proquestk12.com/andings/CultureGram.Iceland.pdf www.phrasebase.com/countries/iceland/ www.iceland.org home.freiepresse.de www.anyworkanywhere.com www.everyculture.come/Iceland