Frequently asked questions
We offer Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish languages.
We also offer Culture classes and seminars in English. These classes range from reading/lecture classes on Icelandic Sagas, to Contemporary issues in Sweden, to Folktales from Norway, and Spelling in Danish. Classes change every quarter.
Yes! All Danish and Swedish courses, and nearly all Norwegian courses, are offered online (Zoom)! Look at the title or class description for info on this. For example: "NOR 1A: Beginning ONLINE" versus "NOR 1A: Beginning IN-PERSON."
At present, the only in-person classes we offer are a couple of Norwegian classes. These take place at the Wallingford Presbyterian Church in Seattle. All other courses and seminars are online. If the class is in-person, it is clearly marked as such. For example: "NOR 1A: Beginning IN-PERSON" versus "NOR 1A: Beginning ONLINE."
No, but you may want to look at this page to understand more about where you might fit in best. If you have further questions, please call SLI at 425-773-5370 or email us at admin@scanlang.org.
The class names/number system we use is explained on this page along with guidance on self-assessing which class to take.
Our language classes are typically for adults who want to begin or continue learning a Scandinavian language on a consistent, yet casual, basis. Teachers are invested in helping you learn and stay engaged through communication activities at the appropriate level within a relaxed, fun, and encouraging atmosphere. Most classes make use of a textbook and many supplement the textbook with the teacher's own handouts. Students are also able to listen to audio files of native speakers by following the computer link(s) provided by the instructor.
Some teachers avoid English even from the beginning. Others start with English and slowly increase the amount of the Scandinavian language students use/hear. In class, beginners may be using pictures and single words to communicate ideas or asking each other questions like "where were you born" or "do you have children." Later classes may focus on emotions, discussing likes and dislikes, giving/following directions, or reading current events and discussing them. At all stages the activities and vocabulary will be useful and will build on what you are already able to do.
In every class, you can expect to speak (learn pronunciation), hear (understand), converse (at some level) with others, and read. Writing tasks are usually included, as well. In Danish classes, for example, students may practice writing to dictation because spelling often does not line up with pronunciation. (Danish students can also expect to play bingo at least a couple of times at all levels in order to learn, practice, and retain the complex Danish number system!)
Though the specific activities vary, all of the Scandinavian language class instructors aim for you to enjoy the experience and the journey as you learn a new language, or deepen your fluency in one you've been learning for years!
No and no. There may be tests given in some courses to help you understand what your skills are and what areas you might want to work on more, but these are not graded. They are purely for your own information.