Iceland has been a very isolated and linguistically homogeneous island historically, but has nevertheless been home to several languages.

Some merchants and clergymen settled in Iceland throughout the centuries, leaving their mark on culture, but linguistically mainly trade, nautical, and religious terms.

Excluding these and Latin words, Icelandic has been altered remarkably little since settlement.

Other foreign languages frequently studied include German, Spanish and French.

[4] Temporary visitors and residents often make up a large portion of the population, especially in the capital Reykjavík.