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Exploring Norrland Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 12, 2008
One good thing about being from (or living in) Umeå is that you’re not from anywhere else in Västerbotten. Because imagine the alternatives! You could be from a place like Lycksele, for example. I’m sure that Lycksele is a perfectly delightful little town, or a large village depending on who’s talking, of about 9 thousand…
When Your Tooth Hurts Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 8, 2008
Today is our Queen’s name day (Silvia) and also the first day of the Olympic Games, but I’m not really that fond of either one. The Queen has always struck me as creepily Stepfordish. I mean, is that woman even real or is she just a life-size paper cut-out? You know, like those of Star…
Sami Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 6, 2008
I said last time that I would tell you about the Sami. In fact, I’ve been thinking about a Sami-themed post for quite a while now, or at least every time I listen to Transjoik. Though Transjoik is technically a Norwegian band, we’ll let them in here on an honorary membership. Sami, the people formerly…
World Class Swedish Cuisine Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 3, 2008
Last week when I read about the Swedish agriculture minister Eskil Erlandsson‘s statement that he hopes to establish Sweden as haute cuisine leader of the world, I naturally assumed it was a joke. Or maybe that the venerable government official had one too many shots of Absolut. Because c’mon now, “Sweden” and “world-class” cuisine in…
Useful Words: Jobbig Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 29, 2008
In every language there are words that you either just love or simply hate for whatever reason. Personally, I’m not a fan of words that are difficult to spell, and unfortunately the English language is full of them. Like “assassinate”. The only reason I remember how to spell it is because it has two of…
Plural Ett Words Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 26, 2008
I have a foreign neighbor who reads this blog (hi neighbor!), and I think it’s very convenient that she does. She’s right under my nose, she’s learning Swedish, speaks passable English and is not afraid to ask questions. So I wasn’t surprised when she spied me out while I was taking my cats out for…
Blueberry Forecast 2008 Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 23, 2008
Come July and August Swedes change, and quite visibly even. One look at their hands and fingers and you begin to seriously ponder whether or not you are among madmen. Why? Their fingers are red and purple. Sometimes, their mouths are too. Yes, it’s blueberry season! Actually, no. Wait! Technically, it’s “bilberry” in English, Vaccinium…