I recently had the pleasure of diving into the realm of Icelandic language through my reading of "Icelandic Primer with Grammar, Notes and Glossary" by Henry Sweet. This comprehensive guide to learning Icelandic proved to be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to conquer the intricacies of this fascinating language.
Right from the beginning, Sweet's approach to teaching Icelandic stands out. He begins by presenting a clear and concise overview of the language, its history, and its unique phonological characteristics. This background information not only helps students understand the context of Icelandic, but also provides a solid foundation for effective language acquisition.
What sets this primer apart from other language learning resources is its meticulous structure and systematic approach. Sweet breaks down the complex Icelandic grammar into manageable sections, offering an abundance of examples and explanations along the way. The author's extensive knowledge and expertise shine through every page, making even the most intricate grammatical concepts accessible and comprehensible.
One noteworthy aspect of this primer is the inclusion of extensive notes and annotations. Sweet's explanations go beyond the mere mechanics of the language, delving deeper into Icelandic culture, history, and folklore. This additional context fosters a deeper understanding of the language and immerses readers into the rich tapestry of Icelandic society.
Furthermore, the glossary provided at the end of the book proves essential for vocabulary building. Sweet includes a wide range of common words and phrases, as well as contextual examples to aid in their usage. With this comprehensive glossary at hand, learners can easily expand their vocabulary and improve their overall language proficiency.
The book's layout and design deserves mention as well. The fonts and formatting enhance readability, while strategic placement of examples and exercises aid in practicing newly acquired language skills. It allows readers to move through the material seamlessly, reinforcing their understanding of the content as they progress.
My only minor critique would be the lack of website or online resources provided. In an era where technology plays a major role in language learning, additional online resources would have been a welcome addition. However, the book's comprehensive nature and wealth of information compensate for this shortcoming.
In conclusion, Henry Sweet's "Icelandic Primer with Grammar, Notes and Glossary" is a standout language learning guide that offers a well-structured and comprehensive approach to mastering the Icelandic language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this primer equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to embark on an exciting linguistic journey. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in unlocking the secrets of Iceland and its beautiful language.
First Page:
AN ICELANDIC PRIMERWith Grammar, Notes, and Glossary
By Henry Sweet, M.A.
SECOND EDITION
1895
PREFACE
The want of a short and easy introduction to the study of Icelandic has been felt for a long time in fact, from the very beginning of that study in England. The Icelandic Reader , edited by Messrs. Vigfusson and Powell, in the Clarendon Press Series, is a most valuable book, which ought to be in the hands of every student; but it still leaves room for an elementary primer. As the engagements of the editors of the Reader would have made it impossible for them to undertake such a work for some years to come, they raised no objections to my proposal to undertake it myself. Meanwhile, I found the task was a more formidable one than I had anticipated, and accordingly, before definitely committing myself to it, I made one final attempt to induce Messrs. Vigfusson and Powell to take it off my hands; but they very kindly encouraged me to proceed with it; and as I myself thought that an Icelandic primer, on the lines of my Anglo Saxon one, might perhaps be the means of inducing some students of Old English to take up Icelandic as well, I determined to go on.
In the spelling I have not thought it necessary to adhere strictly to that adopted in the Reader, for the editors have themselves deviated from it in their Corpus Poeticum Boreale , in the way of separating ǫ from ö , etc... Continue reading book >>
