West Norse refers to the group of North Germanic languages spoken in the western regions of the Norse world, particularly in areas like Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. It is a branch of the broader Norse language family, which also includes East Norse languages spoken in Sweden and Denmark. The West Norse dialects are significant for their historical and cultural contributions, especially in the context of Viking exploration and settlement. They played a crucial role in the development of modern Scandinavian languages, influencing literature, folklore, and place names in these regions.