Henrique: Learning Swedish. Hallå!

I see many people coming with the intention to learn Swedish here, and I feel it is the best opportunity to connect with Swedish folks. Depending on your origin you may even find some similarities with your language, but I need to prepare you for reality and that will be my intention here today. 🫡

As many do nowadays, I started learning Swedish by religiously facing an app everyday. I must say that I felt I was doing pretty well, as I was practicing for almost a year before arriving in Sweden. Although, when that plane landed I realized I wasn’t feeling safe to ask for help or directions, but I knew for sure how to say “Hippopotamus”. 🦛

It wasn’t the end of the world, as many of you may know, almost 80% of the population in Sweden can communicate fluently in English, which is a requirement for any international student. I must say I felt it was as reassuring as it was convenient, but something felt off.

Why was I studying Swedish then?

Well, for me it was the only true way to get inside Swedish culture. I mean, you can communicate with people in English, but you may always lose some interactions and experiences. Not to mention: what will you do when that other person doesn't speak English? Many immigrants from some parts of the world didn’t have the opportunity to learn English.

Those were enough reasons for me to enroll on SFI (which translates literally to Swedish for Immigrants). They have a few options of classes in which you can start your studies and you may progress at your own pace and according to the evaluation of the teachers.

Oh, and it is free! 😉

Later, I began exchanging music lessons for Swedish practice with a local friend. That not only improved my language skills but also deepened my cultural understanding. Thanks to that, today I even have the opportunity to teach music in Swedish. 👨🏽 🏫

I will not lie, some people give up with their studies after realizing it may be necessary to dedicate a certain amount of time in order to develop, and you can get frustrated very easily. But I think it is the same when learning any language. Every language has its challenges, and you need to be open-minded.

Unlike English, Swedish isn’t everywhere in the global media. So, I strongly recommend immersing yourself in Swedish digital content: YouTube, social media, music, and podcasts. Even if you don’t understand much at first, daily exposure helps.

If you want to be part of Swedish culture, let it become part of your life. Start with simple phrases: greetings, goodbyes, apologies, asking for directions. Soon, it will feel natural.

Så, det är det, vänner.

Med vänliga hälsningar,

Henrique.