Meet the learner Series: Stella

Welcome to the very first issue of Just here to widen the gene pool. In this series we will be reaching out and interviewing members of the Icelandic AI community to ask them about their personal stories, life in Iceland, learning the language, some of the kjaftæði (BS) they may have encountered, and some of the mistakes and triumphs along the way. Brutal honesty only please.

Today’s learner is Stella, who has been in Iceland for eight years and was brave enough to be the first one to answer our questions…and very clearly state her thoughts on taxes (no spoilers – read on).

1. Tell us a little about yourself and the story of what brought you to Iceland.

Stella: I’m Stella, and Iceland has been my home for the last eight years. Honestly? A bunch of coincidences. I wanted to move somewhere, and the only condition I had was that it couldn’t be a German-speaking country.

2. What has surprised you most about living in Iceland?

Stella: How slow everything is.

Editor’s note: …we highly doubt anyone in our community could challenge this statement while holding a straight face.

3. What made you decide to learn Icelandic, and what has the journey been like so far?

Stella: I plan to stay in Iceland for some time, so it felt like a natural decision. The journey itself has had its ups and downs, depending on how much time and effort I’ve had to give it.

4. What have you found most difficult about Icelandic, and have you ever made a particularly funny mistake?

Stella: I feel like people often speak so quickly that they don’t pronounce all the sounds in the words. And oh yes. Instead of saying skattur, I ended up saying something that sounded a lot more like skítur.

For anyone who doesn’t know: skattur means tax. Skítur more describes skattur for some of us. We’ll leave it there.

5. Before Icelandic AI, how had you tried to learn the language, and what did you feel was missing?

Stella: Through a group class at a language school. The main thing that was missing was an individual approach, since not all of the students were at the same level. It seemed like the only real option to learn at the time, which is where I think most of us hit a wall of realistic options to learn alongside work.

6. What made you try Icelandic AI, and what was your first impression?

Stella: Knowing what a great teacher Sandra is. Honestly, I’m enjoying it so much more than I expected.

7. Which parts have been most useful or enjoyable for you?

Stella: The ability to go through some lessons more than once. Some parts take a little longer to sink in, so it’s great to be able to come back to them a few days later.

8. Can you share a moment when something you learned helped you in real life?

Stella: It’s actually a lot of everyday moments. You finally start to feel like you’re not spending so much energy just navigating everyday life in a foreign country.

9. If you woke up tomorrow completely fluent, what’s the first conversation you’d want to have?

Stella: I have no clue. Honestly.

The most honest answer we’ve ever had to that question, and we haven’t even asked it before.

10. What would you say to anyone on the fence with Icelandic AI?

Stella: Honestly, you won’t regret it. The depth of content, amount of practice, feedback, and features makes it an obvious no brainer. You can tell a lot of work went into it and Sandra still managed to keep her personality just as entertaining throughout. Plus with union remibursements it’s almost nothing. Get off the fence.

11. Stella, what is your question for the next learner?

“Is there an Icelandic word you are still afraid to pronounce?”

Stella, thanks for the stellar honesty. And to the rest of you, thanks for reading. See you in Issue N° 02.