nglish skills. English is being spoken around them and to them daily.
Most schools in Norway teach British English, but American English filters in through entertainment and advertising. Norwegians watch both British and American TV and movies which are always played with subtitles rather than dubbed in Norwegian.
Norwegians Learn English To Further Their Careers
English is the language of business and science. It’s also the language of hospitality. So it’s not surprising that Norwegian college students would find college courses taught only in English a smart choice. According to an article in Times Higher Education, The Language Council of Norway is concerned that too much college coursework is taught in English.
A travel editor at Forbes believes that as a small wealthy nation, Norwegians and all Scandinavians, have greater opportunity to travel. He suggests that exposure to a broad culture may be one key to their English proficiency.
The English Proficiency Index for 2020 ranks Norway fifth out of 100 countries for English proficiency. It’s a regional accomplishment. After number 1 ranked Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden follow to complete the top five.
English Is Mandatory in Norwegian Schools
A paper prepared by Ragnhild Lund and posted on The Semantic Scholar details the road to the mandatory teaching of English in Norwegian Schools. In a period of educational reform during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s their slogan was ‘English for Everybody.’ By the end of the 1960’s, English was mandatory in all schools.
How English is taught in Norwegian schools has transitioned from a grammar-based curriculum of the 1970’s to the present-day cultural immersion method. The differences are seen in those who prefer immersion in British culture and those for whom American culture is preferred. Norwegians can travel to any English-speaking country and feel confident in their ability to communicate.
Norwegians Study English for Travel Opportunities
The majority of Norwegians speak English because as adults, they recognize the benefits of retaining the skill learned as children. Their country is able to welcome travelers from around the world and make them comfortable by speaking their language. Their people can freely travel to other countries and easily communicate with the locals.
In Norway, speaking English without sacrificing their own language has been a cultural and educational decision. The benefits extend to travel, more career choices, and commercial opportunities. Their universities welcome students from outside the country by teaching many popular courses in English.
English speaking only visitors can travel into the rural highways and byways of Norway, away from the major cities. They’ll be sure to find locals with which to communicate. As a country, they embrace the concept that common language creates open communication with the world.
English Use in Major Cities in Norway
Bergen – Bergen is a popular tourist destination on Norway west coast, and it is the second largest city in Norway. Bergen is considered as the international hub for aquaculture, transportation, oceanic technology, and regional tourism, education, and finance. Maybe the most iconic spot in Bergen is Bryggen, an older wharf with traditional wooden buildings. Even from the top of Mt. Fløyen, the entire city looks stunning, the peak is accessible via hiking trails or riding a tram to the peak. Other than visiting the mountains, people most likely visit Bergen for the fjords.
Kristiansand – Kristiansand is a popular summer destination for Norwegians. Kristiansand has a beach that is considered one of the prettiest in Norway. The sea and nearby fjords are ideal spots for fishing and sailing. Popular tourist attractions include Fiskebrygga, which is a fish market with restaurants along the central waterfront; the Strandpromenaden, a boardwalk that passes through beautiful parks along the waterfront and into the city’s center; and Posebyen, the remnants of Kristiansand’s old city.
Oslo – Oslo, Norway’s capital, is situated at the head of the Os