# Ask the Icelandic dude **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 8, 2008, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629 "2008-09-08T16:31:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![auRa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@auRa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/auRa)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/141 "2008-09-10T01:46:27Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > You’re secretly Canadian, aren’t you? I knew the fact that the landscape around Helsinki is very similar to that of the Canadian Shield–the Beautiful Land where my heart lives–wasn’t a coincidence. Ha! Ha! Ha! Such foolishness! Eh? Eh? Shutupshutupshutup you’re blowing my cover. ---
**Author:** ![mutantmoose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@mutantmoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mutantmoose)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/142 "2008-09-10T02:18:00Z")
I’m sure I remember hearing that the national tv channels used to (or still do?) shut down on Thursday evenings to allow for family time. Is this true? I also seem to recall hearing that, whilst there are prisons in Iceland, there is (or was) a preference for not sending people to prison and instead dealing with offenders within the community. The idea being that if everybody keeps an eye on them they will be less likely to re-offend. True? How much does a beer cost on average in a normal bar (not a downtown club)? What about a loaf of bread? Milk? On a more political note, what is the general view on commercial whaling? I heard a radio programme recently that suggested that whilst it is a traditional activity in Iceland, very few people actually eat whale any more. Are there voices raised (however much in a minority) that are anti-whaling? If so, are these people laughed at (considered a lunatic fringe) or are they taken seriously (even if not agreed with)? Are there any political figures who are anti-whaling? ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/143 "2008-09-10T02:20:33Z")
> [@WormTheRed](#): > > Do not EVER try it without. A couple of Brits trying hákarl: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTOfhQ\_SZEg](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTOfhQ_SZEg) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Weird\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@The\_Weird\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Weird_One)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/144 "2008-09-10T02:24:52Z")
What letters do you use that aren’t part of the English alphabet, and how are they pronounced? ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/145 "2008-09-10T02:44:58Z")
This thread rocks, **Worm**! I’ve wanted to visit Iceland since I was in graduate school (we won’t mention how many more than 25 years ago) and took two quarters of Old Icelandic. Our textbook contained excerpts from the sagas, and in a total space of about 20 weeks, we learned to (haltingly) read these stories. I still have my book. Both classes were really small (maybe 4 or 5 students) and it was really challenging (most of us were very fluent in German, but it was really HARD anyway), but always fun. There were several times where we were sure that we must be translating incorrectly because our results made us laugh way too hard. But our professor assured us that we’d understood correctly. 😃 Of course, everyone already took all the good questions… :dubious: GT ---
**Author:** ![Salmo\_Trutta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f19dbf/32.png) [@Salmo\_Trutta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salmo_Trutta)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/146 "2008-09-10T02:49:34Z")
This is a fantastic thread. I want to visit now. Worm, if there is a sharp rise in visitors this year you should probably make the tourism council aware of your fine work here. Maybe some royalty money is in order. The least they could do is buy you a bigger couch for all the SD guest coming to sleep at your place. A couple of questions Are mental health problems disproportionate in Iceland with months of (mostly) dark and months of light at a time? Or is seasonal affect disorder just a way of life? Are mental health issues talked about or are they taboo in such a strong community-based lifestyle? What is the distribution of wealth like? At least in my mind, most everybody in Iceland is living comfortably, without major gaps either way in the class structure. Of course my extensive research on the subject is limited to a Sigur Ros documentary. ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/147 "2008-09-10T05:46:25Z")
[QUOTE=gardentraveler] There were several times where we were sure that we must be translating incorrectly because our results made us laugh way too hard. But our professor assured us that we’d understood correctly. [/QUOTE] Let me guess: the one about the woman divorcing her husband because his penis was too big? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/148 "2008-09-10T08:06:26Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > So if my father was named William, and I took the Icelandic name Þórður, I would be Þórður Williamsson? And my sister Ingibjörg would be Ingibjörg Williamsdottir? And would William be more like Vilhelm or something? > > Þórður Vilhelmsson. I’m feeling craggier and more Nordic already. > :: shifts battle axe on shoulder :: Nah, I think you just add an Icelandic name if you become an Icelandic national. I’ve met some new Icelanders from Thailand that go by e.g. “Shirawat Þórður Thaksin” - it always strikes me as odd 🙂 William would be Vilhjálmur [QUOTE=Sunspace] You’re secretly Canadian, aren’t you? I knew the fact that the landscape around Helsinki is very similar to that of the Canadian Shield–the Beautiful Land where my heart lives–wasn’t a coincidence. [/QUOTE] It´s you guys that still carry a piece of the old land with you 😉 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/149 "2008-09-10T08:10:33Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > Actually, I do have another question for our esteemed Icelandic host… > > Clothing. What kinds or styles of clothing are worn in Iceland? I presume ‘normal’ Western clothing, but is there anything unusual? Large fuzzy sweaters maybe? Are you in the position of importing all your basics like underwear from China? Woho, I’m esteemed 🙂 Normal western clothing. Maybe a bit “trendier” than other places, we’re early adopters when it comes to fashion (myself excluded). We have most of the retail chains like Zara, Debenhams and so on (mostly European chains though). But what never goes out of fashion is the wonderful [Lopapeysa](http://www.123.is/asgardur/upload/Lopapeysa%202.jpg) (Wool-sweater), the standard outfit for you out-of-town excursions. ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/150 "2008-09-10T08:13:07Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > Name doesnt ring a bell, but I can keep my eyes open next time I am in game=) > > Does Croesus also speak english? We all do 😉 He’s about to get a Titan from his Corp so he’s pretty high up in 0.0-space. ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/151 "2008-09-10T08:15:02Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > OOO I want a name also - > > My most common nickname is Aruvqan, my birthname is Marilyn … lay one on me too pretty please? > > I would love to come visit - I was watching the Travel Channel and dreaming about hot springs =) I’m afraid I’m drawing a blank on the Old-Norse names for you and shooting safe with Margrét - maybe Mathildur? Hot springs are nice and comfy to soak in for hours on end 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/152 "2008-09-10T08:25:02Z")
> [@mutantmoose](#): > > I’m sure I remember hearing that the national tv channels used to (or still do?) shut down on Thursday evenings to allow for family time. Is this true? 20 years ago (when there only was one channel), this was true - also, no TV in July. Not anymore. [QUOTE=mutantmoose] I also seem to recall hearing that, whilst there are prisons in Iceland, there is (or was) a preference for not sending people to prison and instead dealing with offenders within the community. The idea being that if everybody keeps an eye on them they will be less likely to re-offend. True? [/QUOTE] Well, there is a prison in d/t Reykjavik, but I doubt we let those guys out. Sentencing is usually quite lax (all too, for my taste) and people tend to not look that much down on ex-cons (depending upon the crime, of course). I cannot, however, recall any news on the system working as you say it does. [QUOTE=mutantmoose] How much does a beer cost on average in a normal bar (not a downtown club)? What about a loaf of bread? Milk? [/QUOTE] Cheapest beer at the liquor store (state run): $ 1,7 for 0,5l Standard toastbread: $ 2,2 Milk: I actually don’t know - haven’t bought milk in ages, but around $ 1,3 for 1l [QUOTE=mutantmoose] On a more political note, what is the general view on commercial whaling? I heard a radio programme recently that suggested that whilst it is a traditional activity in Iceland, very few people actually eat whale any more. Are there voices raised (however much in a minority) that are anti-whaling? If so, are these people laughed at (considered a lunatic fringe) or are they taken seriously (even if not agreed with)? Are there any political figures who are anti-whaling? [/QUOTE] The general view is that you all (who oppose it) are a bunch of whiners and griefers who generally don’t know what you’re talking about. Iceland hunts 60-70 Minke Whales each year, out of a total stock of 100’000 - to few to have any impact. People do however admit that it might be bad PR and hurt tourism so we’ll probably lay it off in the next couple of years. For monetary reasons, not moral ones. The Green party might be anti-whaling, but no other party or figure goes out against it. ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/153 "2008-09-10T08:27:49Z")
> [@The\_Weird\_One](#): > > What letters do you use that aren’t part of the English alphabet, and how are they pronounced? Apostrophies on all vowels (in addition to regular ones) and þ and ð (and ö, but that ones not an Icelandic original) Þ would be like the th-sound in the ð would be like the th-sound in although ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/154 "2008-09-10T08:29:05Z")
> [@gardentraveler](#): > > This thread rocks, **Worm**! > > I’ve wanted to visit Iceland since I was in graduate school (we won’t mention how many more than 25 years ago) and took two quarters of Old Icelandic. Our textbook contained excerpts from the sagas, and in a total space of about 20 weeks, we learned to (haltingly) read these stories. I still have my book. > > Both classes were really small (maybe 4 or 5 students) and it was really challenging (most of us were very fluent in German, but it was really HARD anyway), but always fun. There were several times where we were sure that we must be translating incorrectly because our results made us laugh way too hard. But our professor assured us that we’d understood correctly. 😃 > > Of course, everyone already took all the good questions… :dubious: > > GT Those Sagas can be pretty wacked at times. But of course they’re all 100% true with no embelishments whatsoever 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/155 "2008-09-10T08:39:22Z")
> [@Salmo\_Trutta](#): > > This is a fantastic thread. I want to visit now. Worm, if there is a sharp rise in visitors this year you should probably make the tourism council aware of your fine work here. Maybe some royalty money is in order. The least they could do is buy you a bigger couch for all the SD guest coming to sleep at your place. They should - I totally need to talk to them about it 😉 And thank you, all good fun! [QUOTE=Salmo Trutta] Are mental health problems disproportionate in Iceland with months of (mostly) dark and months of light at a time? Or is seasonal affect disorder just a way of life? Are mental health issues talked about or are they taboo in such a strong community-based lifestyle? [/QUOTE] People are not very willing to eat pills or go see a shrink and rather fight it on their own (or with support from friends and family), whenever something happens. Which is good for those that have the support and crappy for those that don’t. But (for men) it’s still a sign of weakness to admit to having any issues and those that exist are most easily solved by the bottle - women, however, are allowed to talk about them. And there certainly is a change in lifestyle between winter and summer - hybernation comes to mind 🙂 [QUOTE=Salmo Trutta] What is the distribution of wealth like? At least in my mind, most everybody in Iceland is living comfortably, without major gaps either way in the class structure. Of course my extensive research on the subject is limited to a Sigur Ros documentary. [/QUOTE] Of course we have people who own their own jets and have more houses that they can coun’t and people who live on the streets who have nothing. But they said in the news, yesterday (or the day before) that the total number of homeless people in Reykjavik is 60-80 persons - almost all of them heavy drug- and/or alcohol-users. As I wrote in a previous post, most people aim for their own house and two cars, with the ability to go abroad a few times a year - and most people succeed. But people are willing to work to achieve their goals. Many people work 2 jobs (even if 1 would be enough) to get that house, or to get that extra stuff they want - or just to pay off the loans they took to buy it in the first place 😉 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/156 "2008-09-10T08:40:24Z")
> [@Septima](#): > > Let me guess: the one about the woman divorcing her husband because his penis was too big? 😃 Which would be Medium in Iceland 😉 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/157 "2008-09-10T09:00:17Z")
> [@WormTheRed](#): > > Well, my cousin says you weren’t that off with your mock-guess 😉 > > She claims it would be Steven-Garysson (and yes, you’d have to armwrestle on who gets first) > > I’m still trying to get it confirmed from another independent source, so stay tuned for more news. I now have an answer from my lovely assistants (they’re not just mine, I have to share them ☹ ) who could shed light on this matter! In case of two mothers: It’s the birthmother, or, if adopted, they pick themselves. In case of two fathers: If they are in a registered partnership (aka married), they pick themselves. If not registered, only one of them is registered as the father and thus gets to give his name. Make sense? ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/158 "2008-09-10T09:26:37Z")
[QUOTE=WormTheRed] Which would be Medium in Iceland [/QUOTE] My condolences to your women. [QUOTE=WormTheRed] I now have an answer from my lovely assistants (they’re not just mine, I have to share them ) who could shed light on this matter! [/QUOTE] Do you have a temp-agency for lovely assistants, or does word just get around? ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/159 "2008-09-10T09:39:24Z")
> [@Septima](#): > > My condolences to your women. 😛 [QUOTE=Septima] Do you have a temp-agency for lovely assistants, or does word just get around? [/QUOTE] My boss just has good taste 😉 ---
**Author:** ![WormTheRed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/bbe5ce/32.png) [@WormTheRed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WormTheRed)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2008, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629/160 "2008-09-10T10:49:53Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > A couple of Brits trying hákarl: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTOfhQ\_SZEg](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTOfhQ_SZEg) Really funny! But no bother letting some posh guy like Ramsay dissing our food - real men (like Captain Slow) are quite capable of eating it 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-icelandic-dude/462629.md?page=9)