Rude in direct translation?

Do you find us, Icelanders, rude? Well, we may appear to be when speaking a foreign language – not because we intend to be, but rather because a direct translation of our words from the Icelandic language gives that impression. Our colloquial speech simply doesn’t include many words of politeness.

Margrét Reynisdóttir, founder and CEO at Gerum betur, explains that foreign tourists may find it rude how Icelanders omit all sorts of words of politeness when speaking to them, sounding instead like they’re giving orders.

We may say to our guests, “Come here,” “Go there,” or “Sit here,” instead of asking politely. “Many other nations are used to phrasing things differently, and it could be beneficial to add polite words, such as ‘Would you like,’ ‘Could you please,’ and ‘Please,’ when communicating with foreigners.

Margrét states that various theories have been introduced in an attempt to explain this cultural difference. The size and age of communities may affect ways of speaking among nations.

“One explanation might be that we are a nation of fishermen,” she continues. “When some work needs to be done on board, it needs to be done right away, and things need to be said clearly, rather than being hinted at.”

Margrét adds that settlers, such as Americans, for example, are known for stating things clearly, but more politely than Icelanders. “Nations with a history that spans centuries or even millennia, such as the Chinese, Japanese, and Indians, have oftentimes developed a more complicated language, where things aren’t necessarily expressed directly,” she explains.

Margrét adds that those who serve foreign tourists need to be aware of all sorts of gestures and gesticulations, which have different meanings among nations. In some cultures, pointing with a finger is seen as rude, for example, and one should instead point with the whole hand.

“Giving the thumbs up or making a ring gesture with a thumb and index finger to express approval can mean something entirely different and worse in other countries, and it can be bizarre to see, for example, flight attendants using such gestures on board a plane full of passengers from all over the world.”

Margrét mentions that many tourists expect a store clerk to show more customer service attitude by standing up once a customer enters and offering assistance. She recommends, especially around customers from Southeast Asia, nodding a little, which would be well received, as would using both hands to receive and hand back cash, goods, and cards.

She stresses the importance of explaining the Icelandic way of speaking to foreign workers, who aren’t used to being spoken to by others at a workplace in a commanding tone. “Some [foreign workers] feel greatly relieved once they find out that this is simply the way Icelanders speak and that they mean no harm,” she states.

Margrét Reynisdóttir founded Gerum betur in 2002 and is the CEO and creative director.

Margrét Reynisdóttir holds an M.Sc. in strategic management from the University of Iceland, an M.Sc. in international marketing from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, and a B.Sc. in food science from Oregon State University (Fulbright scholarship). Two of her books are in English: Cultural Impact on Service Quality- Hospitality Tips for Effective Communication with Tourists & Training in Hospitality – Case Studies and Exercises. One is in Polish:  Szkolenie w gościnności – Przykłady z życia i zadania.

If you like to learn some Icelandic phrases:

• Bakery, Waiters, Reception, Entertainment, Various phrases

Interview in Morgunblaðið, 29.7.19

Rude in Translation – Iceland Monitor (mbl.is)