Archive by Author
University Studies in Sweden Posted by Marcus Cederström on Mar 10, 2010
Last week I wrote about Swedish relationships – the Sambo. Plenty of non-Swedes end up in Sweden because of a relationship, love refugees if you will. Others though come to the country for educational purposes. Sweden has long prided itself on offering a free education to anyone and everyone. Whether you were a citizen or…
Swedish Relationships – The Sambo Posted by Marcus Cederström on Mar 5, 2010
Swedish can be a very literal language at times. Grönsaker for example means vegetables, literally though? Green things. Tandkött are your gums. Or literally, tooth meat. So the formation of the word sambo actually makes quite a bit of sense. Sam a shortening of the word for together, samman, and bo a shortening of the…
The Downfall of Jantelagen – Social Media Posted by Marcus Cederström on Feb 18, 2010
I managed to get myself a degree in Scandinavian Studies back in the US. When I explain to people here in Sweden what that entails I am always faced with questions. Why? Why would you study Swedish culture? We don’t have any culture. This comment always strikes me. On a personal level, it is a…
Swedish Schlager Posted by Marcus Cederström on Feb 11, 2010
Schlager. It’s a Swedish word that means horribly tacky music. I made that up. Kind of. Schlager music is the song that gets stuck in your head that you kind of hate but know all the words to. Schlager music reaches its zenith in May when the best of European schlager meets at Eurovision Song…
Swedish Stand-Up. In English. Posted by Marcus Cederström on Feb 4, 2010
Last Thursday night I saw something that I will never forget. Stand-up comedy in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. In English. By Swedes. It’s not that the comedians were snort-inducing (they weren’t), or that the crowd was lively (we weren’t), or that the beer was cheap (it never is), it’s that all but one of these men…
Lussekatter and Semlas and Waffles! Oh, My! Posted by Marcus Cederström on Jan 21, 2010
The winter season in Sweden is marked by baked goods. From December to the end of March, your local konditori will be filled with some very specific treats. Of course, delicious baked goods can always be found in Sweden, but certain times of the year bring with them certain bakery items. In December, Lucia brings…
The Swedish Affirmative: Ja, Jo, Jaaahh, and Shoooop Posted by Marcus Cederström on Jan 17, 2010
I grew up in the US with my father always prattling on in the Swedish language. As the years went by, he kept at it, and I fell into the habit of responding in English. His resilience essentially allowed me to learn a second language without most of the work. I say most, because despite…