Comments:

1. 

    

   adela:

   if yo want to know about a culture in depth one of the things you must try and learn is the language. It’s something in how the words are pronounced and the meaning of the phrases and the way grammar intervenes in unraveling the ideas that tell so much about the spirit of the nation and its roots… things you would not really Feel just being an ‘observer’.

2. 

    

   adela:

   if you want to know about a culture in depth one of the things you must try and learn is the language. It’s something in how the words are pronounced and the meaning of the phrases and the way grammar intervenes in unraveling the ideas that tell so much about the spirit of the nation and its roots… things you would not really Feel just being an ‘observer’.

3. 

    

   Sue:

   Because I want to go to Sweden. It’s sort of like “if you build it they will come”. “If I learn some Swedish, I will go there”.
   I made myself a quilt that says in wonky letters:
   Dear Susan,
   Please come visit.
   Love, Sweden
   See? It’s crazy magic and it might work.

4. 

    

   Antonia:

   Hej!

   I am currently studying swedish at SFI and I do so in order to have a big variety of choices when it comes to university degrees. Sure, I could go for IT, then I wouldnt have to bother with Swedish, but it is not what I want to do. I want to study something, that I will enjoy working with, like psychotherapy. So in order to do that, I will have to learn all the Swedish I can.
   I love your Blog btw, thank you for it and keep it up!

5. 

    

   Dave O’Connor:

   I think the main reason to learn swedish is to keep the language alive, having a native language should be a source of pride for any nation, and although sweden is a large country, the population is only about 9 million. Coming from Ireland where we’ve all but lost our language I take pride in speaking a unique language. I studied in Sweden for a year and I picked up a bit of Swedish and now I’ve fallen in love with the language, I’m planning on doing a Masters back in my beloved Goteborg and end up living in Sweden.

6. 

    

   Dirk:

   Hi there,

   I’m learning swedish because I like watching Wallander, Van Veeteren, Beck…
   And most of all because I fell in love with Pippilotta Viktualia Rullgardina Krysmynta Efraimsdotter Långstrump…
   😉

7. 

    

   Em:

   I learn Swedish because it’s an essential part of the culture. So since I love Sweden, I must learn it. And also it’s the native language of my favourite pop group ABBA!

8. 

    

   lynneguist:

   (a) It’s so much fun to learn.
   (b) It’s polite to return the favo(u)r by learning their language, since they took the trouble to learn ours.
   (c) At some point, you get past the bit where people automatically switch to English when they hear your Swedish, and that’s really rewarding!

9. 

    

   Minty:

   I have a Swedish boyfriend, so of course I want to learn for him. Im planning on moving to Sweden in 2 months, and will probably stay there for several years, so I want to know the local language. I feel that when you are visiting another country, you should do as they do. That means if they like to be quiet and reserved, i will respect that, and if they speak Swedish I will try that. It adds to the cultural experience! Plus, as you have said before, and I have read in many book about Sweden, the locals will be happy that you are trying to communicate in Swedish rather than English and you may start to fit in a little more easily.

10. 

     

    Onur:

    I tried to learn a little before moving to Sweden because I think it is a matter of respect to your host country.

    I have discovered a less idealistic reason since, which keeps me dragging myself to SFI five times a week. I found that one cannot really blend in properly without speaking Swedish. I should note that I don’t need it in everyday life. As a uni student English is completely adequate. However, to become part of society and move beyond “visitor/temp” status, I found Swedish skills essential. Truly discovering Sweden requires the ability to be conversant in Swedish.

    It is fascinating for me to watch my own progress in Swedish and how it parallels my feeling of being at home in Sweden.

11. 

     

    Elin:

    I am of Swedish descent (1/2) and have been to Sweden several times. For me, a large part of the reason I enjoy learning Swedish is because it is part of my heritage. Also, I have some elderly relatives who don’t speak English, and it is nice to have some sort of conversation with them (and to also get a gist of conversations that are going on around me). Finally, I just enjoy foreign languages. I have studied French, German, and Latin before Swedish, and either they get easier as you learn more, or Swedish is just easier than most languages, at least for me.

    Thanks for this blog. I find it interesting!

12. 

     

    Linda från kalifornien:

    I agree with the first 2 post. Like the old saying, “When in Rome…Do as the Romans do…” If one is planning to live or stay an extended amount of time in any another country, then one should try to learn the language and the culture.

    I am learning Swedish because I have a love for the country and language. Secondly, I fell in love and married a Swede. I love learning languages and in my opinion, you can never learn too many. Being multilingual will always have it’s advantages.

13. 

     

    Ann:

    I learned Swedish living “på landet” and it was needed. Swedes may learn English but like most people in a tongue not their own, they are not comfortable speaking it unless they have a lot of practice. Many Swedes want to practice with me, but many are too embarrassed. They speak Swedish so I have to learn it to understand what they are saying — and being my next door neighbors, what they say is very very important to me (what the kids are doing, where my husband is, will you take care of the little one while I go to the doctor).

    On top of that, I have learned to love the Swedish language. The children’s shows and songs are the best I have ever experienced. And it is a true joy to watch the news (even with Swedish text) and follow the ins and outs of the very interesting Swedish political/social/media reports.

    Another reason — because of the excellent opportunity to be with others learning Swedish. The immigrants have such inspiring stories.

    Another reason — because it’s absolutely needed to continue in any education offered in Sweden.

    Another reason — to surprise people who refuse to admit the possibility that an American is following their comments to each other.

14. 

     

    Lars:

    I’m learning Swedish because I have a treasure trove of letters and other documents from my Dad’s Farfar, dating from the 1930s through the 1960s, all written in lovely, literate Swedish. They describe a country and a time far, far away, yet intimately connected with my family history.

    As a more practical matter, I also have family in Sweden, and their Facebook updates (and comments from friends) are usually in Swedish, and Google’s translation is hit-or-miss at best. I’m finding that I can read more and more of these brief comments directly, without even cracking a dictionary (or hitting Google).

    Finally, I anticipate visiting Sweden again in the future, and the thrill of conducting a transaction at ICA entirely in Swedish is palpable, and it seems only polite to be able to greet and carry on a basic conversation in someone’s milk tongue.

    Any of these would be reason enough, but taken together, they form a compelling motivation to continue – and I appreciate the service you provide with this blog! It keeps one’s attention on one’s intentions, which is more than half the battle with self-directed language study. Thanks!

15. 

     

    Sabine from Germany:

    I used to have a swedish boyfriend and this is how I got to know the language and the country – I love it.

    After my studies in Germany I now plan to do my Masters is Stockholm.

    I agree with everyone that posted beforehand. But the most important reason is: U’ll never be a part of the society not knowing the language! To understand people and their culture from another country you first of all have to know their history and secondly: The language.

    Plus for me it is a hobby to learn languages and Swedish is so different compared to French, English, Spanish or German. It’s sth new to me :).

    Knowing the language I think is also essential for being successful in doing business with or within the country!

    Im looking forward to be a part of Sweden 🙂 I just hope to get accepted for next years program!

16. 

     

    Darlene:

    For me, learning Swedish is getting in touch with my Swedish roots. When I travel in Skåne and hear my relatives speak, it is like hearing my long-departed grandparents voices again. Plus it is, I think, a very musical language, soft and whispery–really very charming. And of course, learning a new language is a challenge–the sort, they say, that keeps your thinking sharp.

17. 

     

    Kevin Klein:

    I began learning Swedish when I started getting into the music there. A lot of sites were in Swedish and i thought that I could learn the basics to read the sites. When i told my friends and family they laughed so through negative reinforcement my desire to continue learning Swedish has grown 🙂

    Also, I really like the language and the challenge of learning another language 🙂

18. 

     

    Fritz:

    I work for a company with a subsidiary in Stockholm. I’m one of the primary contacts for the office there and have been working on learning Swedish, not because it’s required but because it feels respectful of my colleagues. I also enjoy understanding what people are saying around me when out and about in Stockholm.

    As Linda says, I also enjoy becoming multilingual. I had two years of German in College (but never used it so I can’t really say I speak German) and with the Internet and work I’ve got much better opportunities to use a second language now.

19. 

     

    Phyllis:

    My reason is that I hope to visit Sweden one day, & I’d like to be prepared whether they know English or not. Americans have the reputation of approaching everyone, in whatever country, in English. I think we owe it to the host country to at least TRY & speak their native language- I’ve noticed that natives get a lot friendlier when you try!

20. 

     

    Trishika:

    Why do I learn Swedish? Because this is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. And I love Sweden, I lived there for some time and I really would like to come back.

21. 

     

    jose bolivar:

    I’m learning swedish by myself. Just because I like languages, that means, for the joy of it!. Not living in Sweden, I think it is, for me, not living there, it is a nice challenge.

    I would like to e-meet somebody (better if woman) who wants to keep an e-mail exchange with me in swedish. In this way I could practice my writing and profit from eventual suggestions.

    Thanks,

    JB

22. 

     

    John Cupak:

    Why do I learn Swedish? Well, my grandparents were from Stockholm, and grandpa’s uncle was Eric Norlander (Anderssonskans Kalle). I was adopted at an early age, and eventually learned of my Swedish ancestors. I found I have relatives “in the old country,” and plan to visit them in a year or two. So, trying to learn some Swedish would help, yah?

23. 

     

    yanti:

    I think it’s always good to learn languages. My boyfriend told me that there was free swedish courses for immigrants. I recalled how much I was struggling with Russian when I was there and no such courses to learn Russian. Besides, I am aiming to be a flight attendant (my previous job) and they require my ability to speak one of the Scandinavian languages. Hmm…guess it’s not that simple.

24. 

     

    J. Eric:

    I am learning Swedish because I want to visit my Swedish cousins in Sandviken next year and I want to be able to be courteous toward them in their own tongue. My cousin still owns the farm where my Great Grandfather was born in 1850. I still fondly remember my Grandfather speaking English with a Swedish accent and my Dad’s attempts at pronouncing Swedish words. :O) It runs in my blood I guess.

25. 

     

    Julie Akhurst:

    I don’t live in Sweden; I’m not married or living with a Swede; I don’t have Swedish ancestors. No, I want to learn Swedish because I am deep in love with everything Svensk: Ingmar Bergman; the beautiful sound of the spoken language; troll stories; heavenly midsummer; John Ajvide Lindqvist’s modern Swedish horror; Henning Mankell’s’ Wallander; Carl Larsson’s intricate and loving interiors; Vilhelm Moberg’s tales of emigrant grit; herring and cloudberries and yellow pea soup – even IKEA. When I can’t get to Sweden, I hang around in the foodshop in IKEA, soaking up the Swedishness. Have you any idea how difficult it is to learn Swedish from England, when you have a young family and a job? And yet I’ve managed to find a way! I’m far too scared to seek out a Swedish speaker to practise on, though, and far too early on in my Swedish studies. It will happen,though. And one day maybe my dream of actually living in Sweden will actually be possible, and then it will all have been worthwhile.

26. 

     

    Craig O’Manion:

    Many people enjoy language whether they have been to the country or even plan to go. I have never been to Sweden but I have studied it as a hobby most of my life. In the last few years I have spent more and more time with Swedish language media i.e. http://www.sr.se and http://www.svt.se , books and films than with English. Yes, my life has become ‘Swedishized’ to the point of people thinking I’m obsessed with the language, but it really is that awesome and interesting to me. If often hear Swedish words in my head instead of English now. If I tire of it a little I go listen to Danish radio, which I enjoy, but it is always good to get back to Sveriges Radio. Some people just like other languages. English speakers and Americans in particular are less likely to show any interest in another tounge than anyone I can imagine. I’m just different that way. From a mental point of view I like that you have to actually ‘think’ to speak. You have to know what the noun is before you start the sentence and to hear some folks speaking English I don’t believe they are thinking that far ahead. I also learn something new every day about English from studying Swedish, another great aspect of svenska.

27. 

     

    Cornelis:

    Well I can understand that you do not learn swedish just for a holiday, but when you want to live in Sweden it is (according to me) a matter of respect for your new country that you learn to speak (at least) its language.

28. 

     

    Cornelis:

    And of course, the ballads of Cornelis Vreeswijk are so much better in Swedish than they are in Dutch!

29. 

     

    AA:

    I am attempting to learn Swedish because my grandmother was from Sweden. Really, I think this question can be broadened to ask why we learn any additional language. While English may be “taking over” in some respects, I think it is important to maintain other languages. If no one outside of Sweden ever bothers to learn Swedish, then wouldn’t it die out eventually?

    Even if just going for holiday, I think learning a few key phrases shows respect for a country’s culture. I’ve often been able to communicate with people in France and Germany by only knowing a couple of phrases. Even if people do speak English, I feel like I am treated better when I at least make an attempt to speak in a country’s national language.

    I have no idea when I may be fortunate enough to visit Sweden, but learning Swedish is important to me on a personal level; in addition, I think learning new languages is a good way to keep my brain from rotting (:

30. 

     

    Chris Murphy:

    I was supposed to learn German, because I cover the Bundesliga. I didn’t like it and found myself with excuses to not practice. Trying to avoid studying, I stumbled upon Swedish and started researching and I just loved it. I’ve never had a problem studying since I gave up on German and started Swedish. So for me it was just the right language at the right time.

    And wasn’t there once a call to make Norwegian or Swedish the international language for fairness sake?

31. 

     

    Linda:

    Four years ago, the motivation was my boyfriend. However, he speaks perfect English and French, and residing in France, Swedish is not really necessary.

    More recently, it is the growing number of Swedish friends that I have made. In a large group of Swedes, it seems rather foolish to have everybody speak English for me.

    And finally, I’ve decided to move to Uppsala to study for a masters. And as someone mentioned above, not speaking the language of the country in which one is residing is rather disrespectful.

32. 

     

    Kenia:

    “Om du talar med en man i ett språk han förstår, så går det till hans huvud. Om du pratar till honom på hans eget språk går det till hans hjärta”.

    I happened to read that phrase on a magazine yesterday, and I found in it, the real reason why people learn a country’s language. That’s how they become a part of the society, and how they “touch the heart” of those they care about. This is my very own reason for learning Swedish.

33. 

     

    Scott:

    Hej,

    My experience has shown that people in Sweden readily speak english particularly in stores and restaurants. My Swedish friends speak English too!

    My reasons for learning is to “be” part of the society, culture, and expand my work in Sweden. My family often speaks Swedish at gatherings, why wouldn’t they… it’s their native language, and I get lost in the conversation.

    There is so much richness in people, music, and the written word that to “be fully present” it feels important to understand Swedish.

34. 

     

    Stephan from Germany:

    Hej,

    Well, I have to admit, that when I came for a six month contract for an international swedish company I fell into that same trap not to get started immediately with swedish.
    Later when we prolonged the stay, there was never enough time to get started (most collegues were even not from Sweden at that time – and my wife is also german. So embarrissingly, I found myself after 7 years being able to read papers, but completely unable to speak.

    And then our first daughter came into dagis (swedish day-care) and that produced the ultimate reason to learn swedish:

    You need to speak swedish to meet parents and their children. The parents might speak english, but if you want to talk to their kids you need swedish – full stop.

    The other big reason is, if you want a job in Sweden: No chance without swedish. Some international companies might hire you, but in reality you reduce your chances to find a job dramatically, if you don’t speak swedish.

    I just warn all germans: Don’t be fooled by anyone telling you, it will be easier for you to learn swedish, because it is close to german. I would claim, that the first 100 word you need to know are completely different and I had massive problems to simply understand where a word begins and stops when trying to listen. Conclusion: You need to learn the basic vocabulary the hard way.
    After that initial step you will discover a lot of funny differences between swedish and german (example: “Polacke” is a german swearword for a person of polish origin, but in swedish a totally neutral denomination for a person from Poland)

35. 

     

    marco chiorra:

    Jag skulle vilja veta vad som heter sångkör som är sjungen i video
    blog av 13.5.09
    mycket vacker music !!!

    TACK

36. 

     

    Rokas:

    Jag läser svenska eftersom jag hoppas att jag ska studera i Sverige. Jag var lite förvånad att uppleva att svenska är en sådant musikaliskt (det passar inte för tyska. Jag vet det eftersom jag har studerade tyska också) språk.

37. 

     

    marco chiorra:

    Jag tycker att det svenska språket är mycket vackert, musikaliskt och inte så svårt att lära sig
    När en främmande talar svenska i Sverige blir svenskarna förvånade och mycket glada och du blir plötsligt en vän
    MARCO

38. 

     

    Vanajah Siva:

    the swedes speak excellent english, young or old, urban or rural. that made my first 2 years of chalmers education easy!
    but, true enough, with a swedish boyfriend, learning the language has become necessary. he speaks perfect english, no doubt. but looking at employment and migration to sweden, the language skill must be acquired. hence, here i am … 🙂

39. 

     

    Rokas:

    What has gone into my head, I’ve got no idea … Here are the obvious corrections:

    ETT sådant musikaliskt språk
    jag har studeraT tyska

40. 

     

    md:

    May be because you are from the states that is why the like to flatter.

41. 

     

    max:

    i´ve always wanted to learn a scandinavian language and i think that Swedish is the one that could be more useful (apart from the fact that it doesnt have as many dialects as norwegian nor the danish pronunciation lol), plus i like the sound, and all in all it doesn´t really have to be useful for you to learn it, you have to like it.. it´s an experience and it opens yourself to another culture

42. 

     

    Felicia S.:

    So glad that I’ve found your blog.
    I’m currently living in Seoul and seriously considering moving back to Sweden. I lived there for four years in the 1990’s. I’m still fluent in Swedish and French (where I lived for five years after Swedish). I will contact the Swedish Embassy here in Seoul and definitely continue reading your blog.

    Tack!
    Felicia S.
    http://nearandfar.wordpress.com

43. 

     

    Cathrine:

    Hi everyone!
    I am a language teacher and Swedish is my native language. If anyone wants me to teach you or improve your Swedish you can access my private online classes on http://www.lingueo.com

    Lycka till med svenskan! (Good luck with your Swedish)

    // Cathrine

44. 

     

    PS:

    Well my boyfriend is Swedish and I’m trying my hardest to learn Svenska.

    Jag förstår lite Svenska.

45. 

     

    Dave:

    I’ve lived in Sweden for 4 years and I have never needed to speak Swedish and never plan on speaking it.

    It really is just choice now and not required to live here anymore.

46. 

     

    Sanne Linnéa:

    Wow, this is really flattering.
    I never thought you wanted to learn our language.
    I’ve never met someone from abroad who have wanted to learn swedish for this reasons as you discribe it. But if I should meet someone I would be really impressed, though all I hear is that our language sounds “ugly” and that there’s no reason to learn it because we don’t use it with foreginers. And it’s true.. Here in sweden it’s necessary to learn english to be recived grades. With no english – no grades – no school. School gives work. So we learn your language deeply for ten years. Nearly every swede talks english, becuse it easier to get some place to work also. In upper school the english teacher don’t even speak swedish mostly.
    Actually english influences us roughly, some of our swedish words are trade for you english bacuse most of the swedish people only use the english words.
    Exemple: Event, no one in sweden says händelse/tilldragelse, which is our word. Even the lexicons and translaters on the internet don’t even translate event to the swedish tilldragelse.

    I have nothing against english, at all. And I don’t think any swede have, except for old swedish teachers… 😉

    But I have to say good luck with your swedish, because it’s one of the worlds most diffucult language to learn because it makes no sense. We talk like it sounds best, sometimes there are not even rules how to talk swedish, like you say a and an (in swedish en och ett).
    Example, again…:
    ett suddigummi – an eraser
    en penna – a pen
    ett träd – a tree
    ett blad – a leaf
    en säng – a bed

    As I said, good luck and I’d be really flattered so I hope to hear it in the future 🙂

47. 

     

    David:

    To say that there is no sense in the Swedish use of “en”, “ett” isn’t troue. It just uses a different system… I can’t tell you the system, Swedish is my native language so I’ve never had a reason for learning the reasons more then for school.

    How ever, to get back to the point: I thank all of you for your reason, you’ve helped me in my school work!

48. 

     

    Helena:

    Well if only the swedish school system agreed with us..M 6 year old son born and raised in the US until now is not happy about people speaking swedish. But since they still teach in swedish he has to learn.If anyone knows of a good childrens language course like muzzy let me know.Most people here are horrified I never taught him I just figure we would not live here so did not make sense to me to teach him.

49. 

     

    Christina:

    I discovered about 20 years ago that my bioligical mother is Swedish and I have a host of Swedish relatives! I am naturally gifted for languages (I speak fluent French and a bit of Spanish). It’s a language that intrigues and attracts me at the same time. And I might be able to understand the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo trilogy in original version!

50. 

     

    Candie Gariety:

    Great page, great find – thanks!