Norway: Language, People and History
Norway is an enormous country; mostly famous for Northern Lights, Midnight Sun and extraordinary landscapes, drawn by nature. However, to best enjoy Norway, one must part take in local cultural activities. Even though most people speak English in Norway, I learnt a few basic Norweigan phrases during my 2-week stay in Nordic territory. The North Germanic phrases helped when I got stuck somewhere. Besides, it was the first ice breaker that got me chatting with the locals. The communication would generally start with me greeting them in their language, furthering into an elaborate conversation in broken English. Sentiments, understandable though!
Here’s a rundown of short dialogue translations that may come handy when visiting Norway.
-
To say Hi – Hei
-
Thank you – Takk
-
My Name is – Jeg Heter or Mitt Navn Er
-
To say welcome, say Velkommen
-
How are you? is Hvordan Har Du Det
-
Good Morning – God Morgen
-
Say Good Night – God Natt
-
To say Yes say Ja (and for No – say Nei)
-
Sorry is Beklager
-
How much is this? Hva Koster Denne?
-
Cheers – Skal
-
good luck – Lykke Til
Table of Contents
People In Norway
In the incredible country of Norway, getting used to Norwegian people and lifestyle is one of the most indispensable matters. On average, Norwegians are understanding, conformed and accepting of other people’s lifestyles. In Norway, religion is not contemplated, as superior and while most people associate with the Lutheran Church, it by no means betokens that they believe in God. Only 3% of Norwegians attend church every week. No one will ever judge you based on your beliefs. This reasoning makes it relatively easier to engage with the residents of Norway.
Music Festivals To War Neutrality
Home to several International Music festivals and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Norway sees millions of tourists each summer. In that summer crowd, you will meet several Norwegians who will drop the local cues. Like I learned about the Norwegian Wood in Oslo which is a 3-day open-air ‘June’ rock festival, hosted at Oslo’s Frognerparken. This music festival has the best of local bands, and renowned international artists perform in an ambience surrounded by hundreds of bare sculptures.
Norway, the founding member of NATO and the UN underlines the fact that this Kingdom aches for a nonviolent and war-free zone. Norway stayed neutral during both the World Wars and is listed as World’s happiest country by the index of lifestyle and living circumstances. I loved, every second of my time in Norway and every reader who’s contemplating a visit must take the plunge now. Ha, Det (Bye in Norwegian, and yes, I saved this for the last) Happy Travelling!
