Typically Swedish

fatumutregno asked: coming into my 3rd week of swedish lessons and it's so grymt!!! I always wanted another language, I speak fluent american and mexican hahaha Go swedish!

That’s awesome! Keep up the good work :)

The Writers 

perhapsican asked: I'm sure you muct get this question occasionally, but I couldn't find it in the recent blogs: They say that unless you study languages such as Chinese since you are very young or at a rigorous university level, it is almost impossible for a native English speaker to learn them. Basically my question is, is Swedish one of those languages? If not, do you know any good on/offline resources for pronunciation, etc? I speak English and have a basic academic reading in German, but nothing beyond that.

Dear perhapsican,

Thanks for your interesting query. Swedish, as most foreign languages (whether you’re an English native speaker or not), is just like another other foreign language - it is challenging. One of the contributors to this blog, I study languages at university level in conjunction with my history classes (Romanian, Russian with German/Russian history), and I have to admit, no matter how many languages I have studied/been raised with, they are equally as challenging (and FASCINATING).

So, if you look at it this way; as you have been doing some German, you will easily pick up on quite a bit of the Swedish vocabulary (very good for learning while reviewing German along), and you will notice that a chunk is exactly to that of English (e.g. stark, beck). But here comes the best part: Swedish grammar is very similar to that of English - it is simple (or at least, fairly straightforward) AND there are no verbs at the end of every darn sentence!!

Surely, the pronunciation varies - but the essence is the very core  - English grammar with a melange of English and German vocabulary. (Don’t forget that the Vikings invaded the British isles a thousand years ago!!)

Personally coming from a family of non-native Swedish speakers (I was the very first one - unless you’d count my parents as being natives but being at the very fine line from being *properly* native, which I hope you understand), I cordially recommend you in indulging in culture as much as possible, whether it may be film and/or music (surely, this is the system that works best with me - it could be different for you!) The first steps of learning the language, as well as nailing the grammar/vocab, is simply by observing the flow and tone; it is important in case you would like to reach native level, this also raises your chances of learning appropriate colloquialism and idioms too!

Basically, Swedish, as any other language, is not an impossible language for English natives to learn - really, it is a challenge which attacks the good ol’ stereotypes of the ignorant English natives for being incapable of learning modern languages. Really, perceive this as an excellent opportunity in proving the stereotype incorrect!!

Best wishes,
typicallyswedish

PS - Are you planning on going to UCL? It is essentially the only university in Britain which offers courses/degrees in the Swedish language, followed by amazing opportunities in mixing Danish, Norwegian, German or any other language and/or discipline of your choice!

PPS - If it turns out that you’re not in Britain and planning on applying elsewhere, I apologize for this horrible wannabe-assumption:D! (British people think I’m insane, but really, I’m being stereotypically Swedish here!)

PPPS - let me know if you need any help in finding any material in the Swedish language! 

Anonymous asked: Hi! I am American of Swedish descent and I want to learn about Sweden! I'm trying to teach myself Swedish. I'm the same age as Kronprinsessan Victoria and have been a fan of hers for a long time. I'm very happy for her and Daniel!

That’s great! How’s the Swedish going? 
We aren’t that great at updating about the Swedish language these days, is there anything you want us to add in the future? :)
It has been an incredibly exciting morning for all Swedes and non-Swedes all around the world, it’s amazing when any child is born, really.