Some time ago, we heard about the interest of foreign individuals, who work in the tourism industry here during the summer, in learning Icelandic. In recent summers, we have heard of such interest but have not managed to get enough people together to start a course. But now, things are very different. We decided to hold an information meeting last Tuesday to see if anyone would turn up. Needless to say, it was completely full. As a result, weWe filled two groups and thereforeNot everyone who wanted to get a place could. We have a rule of not putting more than 15 people in a group, as we consider that the absolute maximum for one teacher. Thirty people signed up, and the lessons started last Thursday.
Dóra Ármannsdóttir, an Icelandic teacher and former headmistress of FSH, decided, after rather easy negotiations, to take on the teaching. She will therefore be on the Knowledge Network for the next five weeks, between 21:00 and 23:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, hammering our beloved, warm-hearted language into the eager foreign heads. Dóra is also getting a fantastic benefit from this, as she went to a Spanish school last autumn and can therefore, during coffee breaks, keep her extensive Spanish skills sharp with the Icelandic students learning Spanish.
As all these wonderful individuals work shift work, either on board whale watching boats, in restaurants or in accommodation, this was the only time the lesson was available: late in the evening.
It's safe to say this is off to a good start, and the enthusiasm is plain to see in this impressive group.