Archive for 'Vocabulary'
Immigration to Sweden – A Few Thoughts Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 28, 2009
Last time we talked about Swedish emigration to the US, but what about foreign immigration to Sweden? This is a subject that everybody has an opinion about and when discussing those opinions, tempers can run high, even among normally very reserved Swedes. I don’t know if as an immigrant myself, I should be even discussing…
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…
Swenglish eller svengelska? Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 14, 2009
One of the commenters mentioned my funny English recently and that actually was a very good thing. As any expat who’s been living for a long time in a non-English speaking country can tell you, this is bound to happen. Sooner or later, your English will start deteriorating. And the funniest thing is, you might…
Sportlov Season Is Upon Us Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 21, 2009
And that’s “lov,” NOT “love,” not to be confused, and the meaning is totally different as well. Sportlov, aka vinterlov, or skidlov is simply Swedish for “winter school break.” But lov is a tricky word – it has several meanings, and depending on the meaning, it can be either an “ett” or “en” word, or…
How To Read a Car Ad Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 7, 2009
It looks like we’ll have to sell our car. Why? To buy a better car. Ours is not bad, but it’s time to upgrade. And besides, I’d rather have a kombi (wagon) than a 2-door coupé. So, my guy delegated me to prepare a sale ad. Since I’ve never done it before, in any language…
Proper Swedish Pronunciation? Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 31, 2009
A couple of weeks ago, I think it was Daniel, who mentioned that he would like to know how Swedish should be pronounced. I have not responded right away, simply because I was thinking about what the proper answer should be. You see, there are as many ways to properly pronounce Swedish as there are…
Remember – hjärnan kan inte gipsas! Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 8, 2009
The shortest day of the year is behind us, but that doesn’t mean that the days are getting all that much longer. While it’s not pitch black at 3PM anymore, it’s still dark. Add to this snow and ice, and driving can be very unpleasant. And dangerous. I drive, and I can’t even imagine how…