Archive for 'Swedish Language'
Reading Books in Swedish? – How to Begin Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 26, 2009
A while back somebody asked about which books would be a good choice for a first-time reader, in Swedish naturally. I know that some people recommend the classics: Astrid Lindgren, or Selma Lagerlöf or more recent works by Henning Mankell or Liza Marklund or Stieg Larsson. But I am going to be a little bit…
Hav or sjö? Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 23, 2009
When is a lake not a lake? When it’s a sea. Doesn’t make much sense, now does it? But unfortunately that’s how it can be in Swedish. Sometimes a lake is just a lake, but sometimes, even though it’s called a lake, it’s really a sea. Of course, I am talking about the “hav” and…
Your Experiences – Linda från Kalifornien Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 20, 2009
Your responses to my question about how you learn Swedish and what works for you and what doesn’t were incredibly insightful and I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to share your Swedish learning experiences with the rest of us. I also think that occasional readers may miss them if…
How Do YOU Learn Swedish? Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 17, 2009
I’ve been asked recently whether I prefer language courses or self-study, and which of those two is more effective when it comes to learning Swedish. My answer: neither. The most effective is moving to Sweden and using the language in every day life. However, that option was not feasible for the person asking the question…
Vernal Equinox (vårdagjämning) and Seasons in Swedish Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 21, 2009
I’m really happy today. Springtime is here. Well, at least officially, because you wouldn’t know it from looking out the window. And while I’m not a fan of vår (spring) – too much rain and mud for my liking, I am a huge fan of vårdagjämning. vårdagjämning (def. vårdagjämningen) – den tidpunkt under våren då…
When a Short, Sharp Intake of Breath Means “Yes” Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 19, 2009
My friend had to go to the doctor the other day, and afterwards, when we were having fika, he said: “wow, I guess I’m seriously sick. The doctor was making those scared little noises at pretty much everything I told her.” As you can very easily guess, my friend is an expat and hasn’t been…