Question 1

What languages do you offer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Do you have online classes?

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 3

Do you have in-person classes?

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 4

Do I have to "test in" to a class?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What do the Class Numbers/Names mean?  How do I know which level class to take?

Accepted Answer

The class names/number system we use is explained on this page along with guidance on self-assessing which class to take.

Question 6

What are your typical language classes like?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 7

Do you issue grades?  Are there tests?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Can I re-take a class?  If so, how many times?

Accepted Answer

Certainly!  Students often find that retaking courses is very helpful for deepening their grasp of the language.  You are welcome to take the same course as many times as you like.

Question 9

Why don't you offer Icelandic or Finnish?

Accepted Answer

We hope to offer Icelandic in the future.  We will be actively looking for a qualified Icelandic teacher (not just someone who speaks Icelandic) in the summer.

While Finnish is not a Scandinavian language (very very far from it!!) We would consider offering it if we found a qualified teacher who could maintain a number of classes over the course of a year (online, or in-person in the Seattle area).

If you are interested in working for SLI as an Icelandic or Finnish teacher, or if you know someone who is, please contact Dr. Melissa Lucas at admin@scanlang.org

Frequently asked questions

What languages do you offer?

Do you have online classes?

Do you have in-person classes?

Do I have to "test in" to a class?

What do the Class Numbers/Names mean? How do I know which level class to take?

What are your typical language classes like?

Do you issue grades? Are there tests?

Can I re-take a class? If so, how many times?

Why don't you offer Icelandic or Finnish?