Icelandic classes in Bessastaðir School 1806-1846 and during the first years of Reykjavík Grammar School

Abstract

The school at Bessastaðir in Iceland (1805‒1846) prepared students for the clergy and further studies at the University of Copenhagen. Despite its emphasis on classical languages and theological studies it is considered to have had considerable influence on the development of the Icelandic language and language norms in the 19th century. This article discusses the status of the Icelandic language in the school curriculum but it also highlights the multi-disciplinary nature of language instruction through translations from Greek and Latin under the supervision of renowned experts in Old Icelandic who also were keen supporters of Icelandic language vocabulary development. Many able students built on this experience to pioneer the development of Modern Icelandic.

Icelandic lessons in the Bessastaðir School timetable consisted of translations from Latin and Danish with less emphasis on literature; some attention was paid to grammar while orthography varied. The school was cramped and the building not fit for purpose. This state of affairs prevailed until the school moved to Reykjavik in 1846, which opened up great possibilities. Finally, teaching of modern languages, including Icelandic, could be developed in the curriculum.

Timetables in the Reykjavik Grammar School show increased emphasis on the subject Icelandic, both in number of hours and variety of content. Teaching of the subject was prescribed by official regulations and included Icelandic grammar as well as modern and medieval literature. Standardised orthography was developed and firmly established in the early years of the school by rules that were largely based on Old Icelandic. These rules are still mostly applicable in modern day Icelandic texts. The article describes these developments in the first few years of the Reykjavik Grammar School, largely based on the school᾽s archives and significant essay material from students at the time.