Presentation Schedule
Societal Language Versus Increasing Incidental English: How Do Children Decide Which One to Use and When? (106584)
Session Chair: Kumiko Tsuji
Thursday, 18 June 2026 10:20
Session: Session 1
Room: Room 114 (1F)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
Iceland is one of many small-population countries whose societal language is being eroded by English. Both L1 and L2 (Icelandic as first or second language) develop considerable English skills. Studies show diminishing Icelandic reading outcomes by L1 students and poor Icelandic uptake by over half of L2 students. Recent research shows a negative relationship between English use and Icelandic proficiency in both groups of children. This study examines where and why individual children (grades 5 to 10) use Icelandic versus English. Participants include 40 children (L1 and L2 speakers, mean age 12;7, SD 1;7). Language exposure is documented through parent report; language proficiency in Icelandic and English through tests, and in all languages spoken through self-report. Participants fill out a questionnaire developed for this study with 66 questions in 5 categories (comfort, situations, others’ reactions, language learning strategies, language use in school). Results reveal that anxiety over having to speak Icelandic is overall low but is related to certain choices. Strong correlations are seen between Icelandic and English tested proficiency and several types of situations, including comfort versus anxiety speaking Icelandic and when speaking to teachers. L2 students are more likely to prefer situations that permit English and to deliberately avoid using Icelandic in certain situations. Conflicting response patterns indicate that some relationships exist that are not conscious. Detailed results will be presented and recommendations for actions that could be taken to increase comfort levels speaking Icelandic.
Authors:
Elin Thordardottir, McGill University, Canada
Anamarija Veic, University of Iceland, Iceland
About the Presenter(s)
Dr Elin Thordardottir is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at McGill University in Canada
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