Why learn Swedish?
Why should you learn Swedish and why would you learn a foreign language at all?
If you live in Sweden, you have probably noticed that most people speak English.
So why bother to learn Swedish if you can get by in English?
Well, I think there are many good reasons for this, and I will share some thoughts on what makes it particularly interesting and important.
Some of my students have said they are “learning Swedish to demonstrate respect to the Swedes”
While that certainly is nice, it will not help you so much during the learning process.
Are you wondering why?
Well, if you study Swedish for someone else, your motivation will be very limited.
However, if you study for YOURSELF, the motivation will be so much higher.
Back to the “why”.
Swedish is after all an insignificant language.
I have lived in various countries for several years. In all of the experiences, the first thing I did when I arrived, was learn the local language.
I would fully focus on this and really hang in there until I could express myself freely.
That is how I set up myself to start having a great life in the “new” country.
Learning the language would give me so much freedom, which I would not have had otherwise.
I like to think in the terms “EVOLVE” and without speaking the local language, I can never enjoy the same type of freedom, as when I get by on a “foreign” language, such as English.
This freedom allowed me to go shopping with confidence, ask for things expressively, get to know people, understand people better, explore work opportunities, feel confident at interviews, defend myself when I need to, explain any misunderstandings, have an interesting social life, and so on.
Nothing compares to speaking the local language with people in any location you are based.
Beyond that, it is also a valuable addition on your CV!
My best advice is to make a firm decision to learn Swedish as fast as possible and as soon as you arrive to Sweden. Because I can tell you the longer you wait, the harder it will get.
You will lose momentum and being losing much of your confidence for learning.
Begin by putting all your focus on learning the language before getting carried away with anything else.
You can always improve your level as you start other projects and continue to practice the language.
I specialize in intensive learning, so if you want this, you are in the right place, and I can definitely help you.
In the meantime, I wish you a wonderful time here in our beautiful country of Sweden!