I have to tell you, my head is spinning right now as I try to do my first night of Danish homework. This language is incredibly difficult to learn and understand, at least for me it is. Boy, was I wrong to think that I would be able to re-teach myself the content we learned in class today. Let's just say that the next three weeks are going to be brutal. The pronunciations of pretty much every word I've learned so far have me confused and it doesn't help that I didn't really learn the meanings of most of the sentences we recited back to our teacher. (I promise I'm not that stupid, I wasn't the only one completely baffled during the three hours of class...which is somewhat reassuring.) If I just keep chugging along, I'm sure it will catch on eventually (knock on wood).
Besides trying to learn elementary Danish, I met a lot of international students at today's orientation. So far, I've met people from Italy, Germany, Austria, and other parts of the United States. And that's just a small percentage of the more than 400 non-Danish students who are attending the University of Copenhagen this fall. I'm excited to meet more people over the course of the next few months.
Some of us are going to try to buy bikes tomorrow after class, so hopefully I'll find a cheap, yet reliable one. Once that happens, I'll be sure to post pictures of my new chariot for you to see.
Well, I guess I'll get back to learning how to properly pronounce 'selfolgig' (which means 'of course') and halvfjerds (the number 70). Oh, I almost forgot to tell you how to say "hello, where are you from?" in Danish... it's "Hej, hvor kommer du fra?" (I know, that sentence is pretty easy, but take my word for it, Danish really isn't that simple.)
All I need to know is, "excuse me, do you speak English?" and, "I'm sorry, I don't understand but am trying to learn!" I'm horrible with languages!
ReplyDeleteYou'll do fine, Nat.... Once you get the hang of the basic formats and "grammar", it'll get easier. It sounds somewhat similar to German (I had to study German in school). Ask the German student if that is true. Definitely want to see your new "ride" when you get it....... I agree - Cheap & reliable would be good :>). We all miss you, but are glad that it sounds like you are having a good time, and that you are meeting people !!! Keep blogging..... I love hearing from you, even if it is in mass. But it, at least, gives me some indication of your health & happiness.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you ~ Auntie Liz
Don't forget to smile and be sweet. That always goes a long way. You'll make more friends than those surly types. [Jo]
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great adventure! I'm living vicariously through you. Love, Auntie Barb
ReplyDeletenat nat! you have to use dad's version of speaking a language aka prego moltobene si and grazie!! I bet it will come easy once you are there about 3 weeks! We miss you and love you!
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie! Your dad gave me your blogspot link. We are so excited to follow your adventures in Copenhagen. Our family (Erik, Michael, Derrick, my dad and I) went on a Baltic cruise last year. We only had 8 hours to see Copenhagen so to see your photos and to hear about your experiences is truly a special treat.
ReplyDeleteBe well, Louise
Auntie Les- It's a good thing that almost everyone here speaks English because so far I've only learned how to ask and answer the questions: "what is your name?" "where are you from", "what languages do you speak?" and "what time is it?". Haha
ReplyDeleteAuntie Liz- I miss you too! I'm having a great time and doing well. I'm meeting so many new people and taking in the sites. Not too excited for the cold though...
Auntie Jo- You're right about that. Everyone is so personable here!
Auntie Barb- I'm having a blast!
Alex and Christina- When we were in Paris, dad said "si" instead of "oui" when he was ordering a pastry. Typical Papa. And let's just say, I probably won't retain most of the Danish I learn here. Oh well, I'm trying. Miss you and love you!
Louise- Thank you for following my blog! Copenhagen is a great city, I'll be sure to post more pictures so you (and everyone else) can see all the places and things I am doing. I hope all is well with your family!
We make it a rule NOT to write things the way they are pronounced. I believe I once heard that Danish is one of the hardest languages to learn. Our "r's" are a challenge and sometimes we like to pronounce our "d's" sometimes not. Nothing to do with the speaking German except they are both stem from the same language roots. I wish you luck and you get top marks from me for even attempting to learn.
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