Bokmål

Ever since I started learning about my Norwegian heritage I've wanted to learn Bokmål (one of the variations of the Norwegian language), until I really thought about it. I realized that I would only be able to use it if I go to Norway and even then, they would probably notice me struggling with pronunciation or something, then speak to me in English anyways. So I'm content with learning about the history and a few phrases.

According to good old Wikipedia, Bokmål is used by  85% to 90% of the inhabitants. If you're a foreigner, that is the language you would most likely be taught.

Some of the phrases I would learn when I go to Norway would be:

Good morning - God Morgen

Have a good day - Ha en god dag

Thanks - Takk

I'm sorry -  Jeg beklager

I'm sorry, I don't speak Norwegian - Jeg beklager, jeg snakker ikke norsk

I would try to learn more, but I don't think I would be able to have a conversation with someone in that language. It would probably be more beneficial to learn a popular language like Mandarin, French or Spanish. I've never been good with learning more than a few phrases in new languages... so maybe I will just stick with English.

Information: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokm%C3%A5l

Translations:

Google Translate 

Picture:

http://www.wallpapervortex.com/wallpaper-12868_1_other_wallpapers_flag.html

Let's go to Norway

I've wanted to go to Norway for a really long time now. Even though I hear it's expensive to go there, I think it would be a good experience. 

The environment is similar to Canada and pretty much everyone can speak English there. Because of the amazing environment there's lots of outdoor activities you can take part in. You can go fishing and kayaking, Skiing and glacier walking, rock climbing and hiking, and much more. The possibilities are endless! It would be such an amazing experience to be able to climb one of the immense fjords, It would be even more awesome to go paragliding off the mountain (that means you don't have to walk back down)!

It would be really neat to be in Oslo on Norway's national holiday (May 17th), that way you can see everyone in their traditional Bunads. I want one, but I don't know exactly what type of design I would get. The bunads vary by region so some of the designs are different, even though they look relatively the same. Traditional bunads can range from $2,000.00 to $10,000.00! Way too much for me, plus I wouldn't be able to wear it without looking out of the ordinary.

Lastly, I really want to be able to try fresh local seafood from the frigid waters there. I love seafood and since Norway is right along the ocean, there's tons of opportunities to sample some of the local delicacies.

Even though Canada and Norway are similar, there are still enough differences to make me want to board a plane and head there right now!

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunad
http://www.visitnorway.com/en 


Picture: 
http://www.fjordnorway.com/en/WHAT-TO-DO/Fishing-and-hunting/?view=article

Scandinavian/Norse Folklore

I was always interested in fairy tales, ever since I was little. Now that I'm learning more about my heritage, I wanted to learn about Nose folklore.

The most popular creatures were the trolls and even in today's society and media trolls are still popular. Trolls are really dumb, like... REALLY dumb. A lot of the stories are about people or creatures outsmarting them. For example The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a popular story of how three goats outsmarted a mean ugly troll living under a bridge. I recently watched a good Norwegian movie Troll Hunter by André Øvredal. In this movie they make multiple references to the old folklore, like flashing light at the trolls so they turn to stone and looking for the trolls under bridges.

Mermaids are also depicted in stories. They are said to be very beautiful and can predict the future. They are kind to sailors and warn them about potential dangers.

Witches have the stereotypical long hooked nose and pet black cat look, but in Norse folklore there are different types of witches. The ones that are trolls wives are called "Trollkjerringer" or "trollkonor". The most popular witch all throughout the world is the one who lives in the woods and practices magic. Then there's the most scary and dangerous evil witches who can shape shift and like to cause havoc.

Elves are very popular in fantasy related books, games, movies, etc. The Scandinavian elves are really beautiful and can use magic too. They live in the forest and are admired by many races (such as dwarves and trolls).

I thought dragons would be described as flying creatures, but they are usually depicted as living underwater. This was a surprise to me, kind of reminds me of the Ogopogo.

"Middle Earth" fantasy is largely based on Scandinavian folklore, from the creatures to the storylines. I really enjoy this type of fantasy because it's so cool and interesting!

Information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavian_folklore

picture: 

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/File:God_kv%C3%A4ll,_farbror!_H%C3%A4lsade_pojken.jpg