Learning a new language is a big challenge, but whether this process is painful or not is up to you. You can turn it into a joyful adventure with a change in your perspective and way of learning.
According to polyglots, the best way to learn a new language is by being exposed to it. Although the situation is slightly different in Sweden due to the many people who can speak English fluently, it is not impossible. The keywords are consistency and courage.
1. Start with SFI
When it comes to learning Swedish, there´s one junction point for newbies in the city: SFI (Svenska För Invandrare). SFI is a free Swedish course consisting of four (A, B, C, and D) levels. The level you start at depends on your educational background in your country. During SFI classes, you will learn how to read, write, and speak Swedish and become a person who can handle daily life in Swedish once you complete it. All you need to register for an SFI class is a personal number (person number).
2. The best way to learn more words is to read.
Learning and remembering the word when needed is one of the most challenging parts of learning a new language. You can speak fluently if you add new phrases to your Swedish repertory. Therefore, we have a handy tip for improving it: Read Swedish books constantly. Never give it up, even if you get bored of it. City libraries, which have many books on different levels for Swedish learners, are the first places you should go for it. You can spare 30 minutes every day for reading; pick five new words each day you need in your daily life and try to memorize them. If you do it consistently, you will not believe your improvement after some time.
3. Sveriges Radio (SR) becomes your best friend for improving your listening skills
For some people, understanding what they hear is the most challenging part of learning Swedish. Imagine You are surrounded by many Swedish people who discuss a critical issue in an office, and you get nothing about the topic. The best scenario is that you can pick some words and understand what is happening, but more is needed to say something right at the right moment. Precisely because of that, it is impossible to get involved in the conversation, although you can speak Swedish. That doesn´t sound good, right? The rich podcast list of SR´s is the perfect way to improve your listening skills.
4. Be persistent in speaking Swedish with locals
Do you know that the most common complaint of people learning Swedish is not being able to find Swedish people to speak Swedish with? Around 86 % of the Swedish population can speak English fluently. Even though the situation looks like an advantage for foreigners who speak English, it may become a disadvantage. Another point is that the learning process of immigrants who can´t speak English is much faster than the ones who can. Because speaking Swedish is the only option for them to maintain their daily life. Hence, be persistent in speaking Swedish during your everyday life. If the Swedish person you are trying to talk to wants to turn the conversation into English, tell them you are learning their language and keep speaking Swedish. This consistent attitude will make a big difference in your learning process.
5. Watch movies and TV shows with Swedish subtitles
The last tip is the most fun one at the same time. Watching series and movies on Swedish TV channels can make your learning process faster. The best side of this method is that subtitles are simple. In Sweden, sentences are prepared simply and short for subtitles instead of a literal translation. Thus, following the lines of the show becomes easier for the audience.
When it comes to improving the Swedish language through TV shows, there are two options. First, you can watch a TV series made in your mother language with Swedish subtitles. That is a golden opportunity to add new words to your vocabulary. Second, you can watch Swedish TV series and movies with Swedish subtitles. This method will not only help you learn new Swedish words about daily life but will also give you hints and tips about the country´s culture.
Writer:Sule Kaya Hult, intern at International House Gothenburg
Färgbox
International House Gothenburg is a non-profit organisation, founded in 2021 and is a collaboration between the City of Gothenburg, Business Region Göteborg, Region Västra Götaland, Labour Market and the Adult Education Committee City of Gothenburg and Move to Gothenburg.
