Áfram íslenska is a digital and interactive learning material that connects Icelandic learning with real-life situations from everyday life, studies, business life and society in Iceland.

The content is structured as 160 educational packages that will be published in phases:

• eight main themes,
• five subjects within each theme,
• four skill levels: A1, A2, B1 and B2.

Each educational package addresses a specific topic, such as presentation and identity, family, food and shopping, health, technology, or community participation.

You can work through the material step by step, at your own pace and regardless of location.

The content is written and developed by Via Nostra ehf., an Icelandic company that specializes in creating digital learning and educational content.

The preparation of the material includes, among other things:

• Icelandic scholars,
• teachers with expertise in Icelandic as a second language,
• teaching specialists in language teaching,
• experts in distance learning and digital learning,
• staff who have themselves learned Icelandic as a second language.

The diverse backgrounds of the team help us see the subject from different perspectives and take into account the experiences and needs of those who are learning Icelandic.

Artificial intelligence and other digital tools are used to support, among other things, slide creation, gamification, project formats, and digital presentation. The professional content of the material is always prepared or reviewed by experts in Icelandic and teaching.

The material is developed based on experience from actual teaching and is tested, reviewed, and improved as it appears.

The structure of the material follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), where the proficiency levels A1–B2 describe what an individual can do in Icelandic at each level.

The material is also based on a CLIL approach, or the integration of language and subject. This means that you learn Icelandic while learning about Icelandic society, daily life, culture, studies and the world of work.

Emphasis is placed on four main aspects of language learning:

• listening,
• speech,
• reading,
• writing.

Vocabulary and grammar are taught in the context of real-life situations, not as isolated words or rules. The goal is for you to be able to use Icelandic in everyday life, studies, work, and communication.

Vocabulary is built up step by step and takes into account which words you need for daily communication, study, and participation in society.

A1 – basic vocabulary: The main emphasis is on common, high-frequency words that are widely used in everyday communication (eg dog, girl, food, reading, work). The words often have clear and concrete meanings and are learned in connection with familiar situations.

A2 – general academic vocabulary: vocabulary that cuts across subjects and social issues and is more common in written and formal language (e.g., responsibility, analysis, original, discussion, consequence, rationality). These are often conceptual words that help you explain, compare, and discuss topics in more detail.

B1 and B2 – specific vocabulary and terms: Specific terms and terminology depending on the topic being discussed (eg photosynthesis, multiplication, bill, carbon, magnetism). These words are tied to specific fields of study, subjects, or social issues.

When selecting and building vocabulary, reference is made, among other things, to LÍNO-2, the Icelandic Language Vocabulary List. The vocabulary levels overlap and words from previous levels continue to be used and reinforced as skills increase.

To support listening and pronunciation, audio accompanies the vocabulary, texts, and activities. The content includes both:

• recordings with human voices,
• speech synthesis sounds from Grammatek,
• speech synthesis sounds produced with Narakeet.

Interactive pronunciation exercises allow you to listen, record your own voice, and compare your pronunciation with a model.

The material also includes flashcards, listening tasks, interactive vocabulary and grammar exercises, games and creative activities, writing and speaking tasks, and a short self-assessment.

The self-assessment helps you figure out which skill level is best for you. It is based on accepted self-assessment methods in language learning, where skills are assessed based on what you can do at each level.

The material is free of charge and can be used both for self-study and as a teaching support material. You can:

• work independently with the material,
• use it with a teacher or instructor,
• use it in on-site or distance learning,
• go back to the task and practice as often as you need to.

Copyright to the material belongs to Via Nostra ehf. unless otherwise noted. Further information on sources and terms of use follows each material as appropriate.

The development of the project Áfram íslenska – The Key to Society is supported by the Ministry of Education and Children's Affairs.

Suggestions, comments, and ideas on the topic are always welcome.