Móðurmál has offered instruction in over twenty languages (other than Icelandic) for plurilingual children since 1994. The Sports and Leisure Council of Reykjavík (Íþrótta og tómstundaráð Reykjavíkur) and later the School and Leisure Department of Reykjavík (Skóla og frístundasvið Reykjavíkurborgar) have supported and have partially funded the program, as have other tuition waivers and grants. Volunteers and parents do the lion´s share of the valuable work.
Móðurmál was established in 1994 as The Parents of Bilingual Children Association (Samtök foreldra tvítyngdra barna) in order to develop a structured language program with clearly defined curricula and goals. In 2014, Móðurmál has set itself the following goals:
- Support multiple language groups and mother tongue teachers
- Partner with parents of plurilingual children and create opportunities for children to learn all their mother tongues
- Take part in research on bilingualism and mother tongues
- Develop mother tongue instruction
- Support active bilingualism in Icelandic society
The activities of Móðurmál include:
- Provide space for regular mother tongue classes, organized by member organizations
- Lectures and presentations for parents, institutions, and the public
- Professional development of mother tongue teachers
- Cooperation with other institutions (Reykjavík, the City Library, the Cultural Center Gerðuberg, the language platform Tungumálatorg, the University of Iceland, etc.)
- Publications (parent and teacher booklets about plurilingualism)