Magn says work hours are not the answer for Faroese lessons

Faroese-language instruction should be strengthened, but employers should not be responsible for providing paid lessons during working hours, Magn’s commercial and marketing manager, Áki Vang Poulsen, told KVF.

He said the current supply of Faroese instruction is inadequate, while gathering foreign workers for classes is difficult because they work across the country and at different times of day.

One possible solution would be an online-based system that employees could use at any time, Vang Poulsen said.

The Directorate of Education has discussed the idea and is open to it, said its director, Hjalmar Hansen.

The instruction could also be linked to the Immigration Office’s integration course, which covers culture and practical knowledge about Faroese society. David Im, the office’s integration manager, said integration was particularly relevant for people who came to the country for shorter periods and might not have family or friends to rely on.

Vang Poulsen nevertheless said employers should not make Faroese lessons compulsory. He said employees were doing well at learning the language and that most could serve customers in Faroese after only a few weeks.