New lab experiment: Learning Icelandic through folk-music

Kveðum saman is a community development and language acquisition project developed by Josie Anne Gaitens that supports new residents to learn Icelandic and build social connections through singing. The project will bring together new residents with Icelanders from different generations to explore Icelandic folk songs with experienced facilitators.

In December 2025, Kveðum saman recived a grant from Iceland's Development Fund for Immigrant Issues.

Through the creative and social act of singing together migrant participants will develop pronunciation, listening skills and confidence in using Icelandic, while forming genuine bonds across linguistic, cultural and age divides. Older Icelandic participants will be able to build strong social support networks, reducing risk of isolation. Singing has been shown to have measurable benefits for language retention, wellbeing, and community cohesion.

The project is a collaboration between East of Moon, Kvæðamannafélagið Iðunn, Vökufélagið and Alec Shaw. Together, these partners will create a replicable model for language learning through cultural participation.

Icelandic is beautiful, creative and fun, but is rarely shown to immigrants in such light. While intensive language classes that focus on grammar and speedy increases in vocabulary are necessary and important, the development of inclusive methods for language learning through artistic means, and enjoyment of Icelandic for its cultural and aesthetic value is crucial for the continuation of the language. Kveðum saman celebrates Icelandic as a living dynamic and historic language for all.