No book review tonight. No music either, but I posted the short video above about Stavanger. Because I’m going there this summer, God willing. When I think about actually going, I’m terrified. I’m fairly certain I’ll make enemies wherever I go, not because I mean to, but because I’m socially clueless. So I’m concentrating on the mechanics of planning, and trying not to think about the experience itself.
If that makes any sense.
Part of these mechanics is my ongoing effort to improve my listening comprehension of the language. I’m doing that, as you may recall, through listening to Norwegian radio. And I think I’m making progress, unless I’m deluding myself (there’s some precedent for that). When I listen to the news on the NRK (state radio) channel now, I can sometimes understand about 50% of what’s being said. This is substantial progress, considering the fact that at the beginning I only caught a word or two here or there.
I notice a strange development as I listen. If I listen intently, trying to understand, I tend to lose the thread. If I listen lightly, with half a brain, as you might say, I seem to catch it better. The effort itself seems to be an impediment. Sort of a zen thing, I suppose. Or Jedi. “Do or do not; there is no try.”
I’m trying to remember that.
Lars, Well said. A case in point: I buy audio books in Spanish. It’s much easier to understand the Spanish nightly news than the Spanish audiobooks. The book narrator alters his voice, or the pronunciation of a word, and if I let my mind stop to weigh a word’s meaning, it can result in me missing a lot more. It’s better for me let the ideas from word’s filter in as best they can.
Also, like an aging person with limited hearing, just keep a light smile on your face. And nod like you are understanding…
That’s the trick I’ve been doing up till now. The consequences can be… unfortunate.
Lars—have you ever visited the Norwegian consulate in Minneapolis? Visiting with them face-to-face would be great trial run to check your comprehension.
I think the people at the consulate have more important things to do, but thanks.
Lars… Just curious, did you take Norwegian at Waldorf? I believe my roommate in Freshman year took it. I took Spanish at Waldorf and then subsequently German at FSU & U of Minnesota. Cheers 🍷
Yes, I studied Norwegian at Waldorf, with Jan Ludvigsen. I believe they eliminated the Norwegian department not long after my graduation.