CPH Post Language School Guide, Autumn 2021

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS 2021 AUTUMN GUIDE

PXFUEL

INTRO

By Ben Hamilton Students are increasingly favouring virtual language lessons following the necessity brought about by COVID-19

There are some things you need to do in person, but not perhaps as many as we might have thought at the end of 2019.

Playing team sports – that’s definitely one. And making love … with a partner.

But once you’ve ruled out the bodily contact activities, are there really so many activities that we need to do in person?

Compete with a classroom?

One such industry is language teaching. After all, when you think of a typical class, it’s a high-octane cauldron of togetherness, right?

After all, students feed off the energy in the room, carefully learning from the teacher’s example and then jumping up to mingle and practise with their classmates.

When the first lockdown was applied, many thought classes would just stop: how could you replace that learning environment?

Well, vroom-vrooming into the room came Zoom, the video communication platform that might very well be changing the way we learn languages forever.

Screen comforts Now, of course, online learning was a thing already, but never before have there been so many people doing it. The question is whether they will want to go back.

There’s Julian, for example. Not much of a people person, he tends to get shy and this hinders his learning.

ICARUS

As far as Danish businesses are concerned, the answer is an emphatic no.

ONCE ONLINE, FOREVER INCLINED crucial moments in the learning process. But with Zoom, he can gaze all he likes.

At their own pace There are just some of the myriad of students who are enjoying learning from the comfort of their home – and, let’s face it, when the wind chill is -12 outside, it’s a much more preferable option.

For many students, it also enables them to learn at their own pace.

For example, they might have found the Danish vowel ‘å’ a tricky one to master. But because they recorded the lesson (with permission, of course!), they’re able to rewatch, practise and perfect, and reap the rewards.

And let’s face it: everyone enjoys watching themselves in action, along with that classic moment when Herve unintentionally stood up to reveal he wasn’t wearing any trousers.

Elizabette’s the opposite, and often her enthusiasm and extrovertness is her downfall. The teacher hates her, and the other students think she’s selfish.

“They figured it out” At UCplus in Copenhagen, one of two teaching schools to offer free lessons, students have been thriving during the lockdown, according to Mette Lherbier, the head of the language centre.

And spare a thought for Pierre.

He’s fallen in love with the teacher and can’t look her in the eye at

Last spring, the teachers were quick to demonstrate their versatility, effortlessly taking all studies online.

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LANGUAGE SCHOOLS GUIDE AUT UM N 202 1

“The teachers figured it out,” Lherbier told CPH POST proudly.

And even as the restrictions were eased, the online learning continued, with many of the students preferring to mix it up.

Numbers increasing The return of the free classes since July 1 last year has resulted in a lot more students learning Danish.

The government’s reversal of the 2018 decision of its right-wing predecessor to charge students for lessons means newly-arrived residence permit holders can learn Danish for free.

Numbers at UCplus in Copenhagen, for example, went up from 500 to 2,000 over the following months.

In 2018 and 2019, student numbers fell by 75 percent.

Changed landscape Nevertheless, the landscape has changed forever, and now only a select number of schools receive state subsidies to offer free classes – more or less the same establishments that won tenders in 2018 to offer heavily-discounted courses (2,000 kroner a module).

kroner at the start of the course, and this is putting some off from taking the classes.

The deposit is only payable by self-supporting citizens. Foreigners enrolled on an integration program and au pairs are exempt from paying one.

Split into regions In 2018, the country was split into regions, which involved lumping many municipalities together.

So, for example, while Copenhagen, Aarhus and Glostrup are single-municipality regions on account of the large numbers of potential learners, in areas of the country where there are few non-Danes, students might need to travel further!

Again this has probably put some off.

Two tenders in capital In Copenhagen, where a huge proportion of the new arrivals first find their feet in Denmark, there are two schools offering free classes: UCplus and Clavis.

UCplus currently holds four other tenders in Denmark, including in Ringkøbing and Silkeborg, while Clavis holds the monopoly in Aarhus, Roskilde, Ringsted, Holbæk, Ringsted and, during the summertime, Faxe.

Some of the other rules implemented in 2018 also remain.

For example, students are still required to make a deposit of 2,000 Speak holds the tender in Gentofte.

Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen • Layout: CPH POST Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +45 2420 2411

LEARN DANISH OR RISK ENDING UP WITH

YOUR HAIR IN THE MAILBOX [ “Standing with your hair in the mailbox”

is a strange Danish way of saying you’re in trouble]

Learning Danish is about much more than just the language. It´s also about understanding culture, society and, not least, the strange sayings of the Danes. Luckily it’s all included in the Danish lessons at Studieskolen, and we guarantee that you’ll never risk ‘standing with your hair in the mailbox’ when having your first real life conversation in Danish.

Find out more about our new courses for beginners, intermediate or advanced learners at studieskolen.dk.

IMPACT PIXABAY

LINGUA DANCA: THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING DANISH

By Edward Owen

If you’re new to Copenhagen, there’s a good chance you will have never heard anything quite like the Danish language. Sure, maybe you’ve watched a few episodes of ‘The Bridge’, but essentially your brain switches onto autopilot as you read the subtitles.

You’ve also noticed that the Danes seem to speak pretty good English. And so, you could easily convince yourself that learning the language isn’t really a priority.

The fact of the matter is there are of course a myriad of advantages to learning the native language of your new home – especially given the strong possibility that you won’t want to leave.

Employment: Avoid the creek!

Some ability in Danish will present you with a wider range of choice in your chosen profession.

Perhaps you’re here in Copenhagen because you work for a large international company and the official language is English. However, there is no doubt that new opportunities within such firms – in different departments or new projects – will be available to you if you

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can grasp Danish.

those already within your reach.

But what if you came here as a refugee of love or to follow your spouse, and your qualifications (a bachelor’s degree for example) aren’t what the big companies are thinking of when they talk about ‘highly-skilled foreigners’. The truth is that even if you find a job that specifies mother tongue English, they will very often still want you to speak Danish when socialising with the other workers. Such a situation can spoil the office hygge!

Education: Join the clique!

Attending university is one of the main reasons for the large international presence in Copenhagen, and learning Danish will also help at school.

Remember: many programs are available in English, but the number is being cut. Now, we’re not suggesting you move to Denmark and immediately enrol onto a course taught in Danish, but there is a significant amount of group work involved in a Danish education.

Inevitably, you will find yourself in one such group as the only foreigner.

Within the service industry there are some employers who don’t have a preference on your Danish language skills and there are some that do. The point remains: you will have more options if you can get to grips with Danish.

Whatever your profession, you will eventually find yourself in a situation in which knowledge of Danish is highly advantageous at work.

The time may also come where you want to change your job or employer, and it’s at this point that the ability to use the language will open up significantly more opportunities than

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS GUIDE AUT UM N 202 1

Imagine; you take a five-minute break from your group work and grab a coffee. Upon your return your peers are chattering away in Danish – no big deal, right? Wrong. It turns out that as you were gazing off into the distance, important decisions were made about the direction of the group project. If only you had understood, you could have recognised the importance of the conversation.

Socially: Power when you speak!

It’s also important to consider your social

IMPACT life outside of work. Making friends with Danes can be a tough audition. Being able to converse in Danish will really allow you to immerse yourself in society and glide through social interactions and feel more at home.

The day-to-day situations in which a good command of Danish can be an advantage are numerous, but here are a few examples.

‘Getting around’ Place names, directions, announcements on transport – particularly out in the regions where far fewer Danes tend to speak English well. Imagine you’re sat on the train and it fails to depart – there’s an announcement and everyone gets off the train. You can assume this train is going nowhere – but what did the announcement say?!

‘Life administration’ Paying bills, making purchases online, understanding receipts and terms and conditions, checking the small print etc. You are responsible for your own tax assessment in Denmark – receiving a large tax bill at the end of the year is not ideal.

‘Basic communication’ Not just with the Danes, but with a sizeable chunk of the 10 percent of the population who aren’t Danish, but don’t speak English.

Immigrating from countries like Eritrea, Afghanistan and Syria, they wouldn’t have

learned English as a child, but most will speak Danish after being here for a few months.

‘Making new friends’ Not just with the Danes but also the social outlet offered by language school. Many often remain friends for decades, and it’s not unknown for some to start sports clubs once the learning experience is over.

‘Complaining’ Whether it’s in a checkout queue or at the traffic lights, if you’re speaking in English, will they admit to understanding you?

‘Eavesdropping’ Fun in any language.

‘Safety’ Last, but by no means least. In an emergency situation, Danish language skills could prove to be the difference – offering crucial clarity and timesaving.

Culturally: New horizons to seek Ultimately it might come down to how well you want to get to know and appreciate your new home. Imagine the excitement many feel at being able to read and appreciate Hans Christian Andersen’s stories in their original language, or the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard.

Danish also connects you with the past and

the culture and history of northern Europe. It developed from Old Norse, which eventually split into Old West Norse, spoken in Norway and Iceland, and Old East Norse, spoken in Sweden and Denmark.

Eventually, Old East Norse evolved into the Danish that is spoken today. Believe it or not, there are many regional dialects in Denmark and its territories, of which many are still spoken today.

If you understand Danish you can go to more events, exhibitions and social happenings.

Learning Danish will make you aware they are happening in the first place and will also allow you to get more out of them once you are there.

And don’t forget that Danish is closely related to Norwegian and Swedish, even if their Scandinavian neighbours to tend to mock the Danes for sounding as if we speak with a potato in our mouths. So you’re not just learning one language, but three!

Norwegian (bokmål) is almost a carbon copy of Danish, with a few distinctions irrelevant to normal every-day use.

Swedish uses some unique words and phrases, but to a great extent is very understandable to Danish speakers.

THE CONUNDRUM

SO MANY LANGUAGE SCHOOLS – but which one to choose?

PIXABAY

There are many different types of language schools offering a range of courses catering to your individual needs and circumstances. Let us help you find the school that is right for you.

Getting started Once you have arrived here and have settled, getting started on language tuition is relatively simple and requires only that you have a Danish CPR number (civil registration number).

You will have to apply for this through the website or office of your local kommune (municipality).

In order to obtain a CPR number, you have to meet the following criteria: • You have been in Denmark for more than three months; • If you are an EU citizen, you have a registration certificate (does not apply to Nordic citizens); • If you are a non-EU citizen, you have obtained a residence permit; • You have a valid, permanent address. A minimum length of one month’s stay is expected, but you might be asked to provide proof of three months.

All this will be checked and your registration will not be accepted if there are any anomalies. Your registration can be cancelled if the address proves to be illegal. You will also be expected to provide other documentation, such as a valid passport, a marriage certificate if you are married and the birth certificates of

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your children if you have them with you.

What’s available As well as teaching Danish to adult foreigners, many schools offer a wide range of other courses, including special youth courses and courses on Danish culture and society.

There are long courses that run during the academic year, short intensive courses and summer courses. Depending on your needs, time, interests and prior qualifications, the main options below are available to you:

Via the municipality Local authorities are required by law to offer Danish language and culture courses to all foreign residents. The local language schools offer courses at all levels. The target groups for these courses are new immigrants and refugees.

It is also possible to study in neighbouring municipalities, such as Frederiksberg, so it is wise to go online and check individual language schools.

It is usually possible to enrol on courses several times a year. Mandatory examinations are held twice a year.

Adult learning centres The adult learning centres (VUCs) offer courses in all general subjects for adults at lower and upper secondary school level. In addition to the general courses offered to Danes, some of the VUCs offer Danish language courses for foreigners. Each course lasts 6-12 months and comprises 240 lessons. You can obtain more

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS GUIDE AUT UM N 202 1

information on these courses from your local municipality or from the individual adult learning centre.

If you are interested in a more intensive or perhaps a more individually designed course, you can enquire at one of the local language centres about private language teachers.

Folk high schools Some folk high schools (folkehøjskoler) offer residential courses in Danish language and culture, either during the summer holiday (3-4 weeks) or during the autumn and spring semesters (4-5 months). These courses do not normally include formal tests or examinations.

The Secretariat for the Danish Folk High Schools will provide you with further information about courses, admission and tuition fees.

Visit hojskolerne.dk for more information.

Higher education institutions In connection with a language school, some institutions offer intensive Danish language courses at the beginning of the academic year, during the semester, or as a part of a summer university program. Students who are enrolled at the institution are not usually charged a tuition fee, but have to pay a deposit of 1,250 kroner.

Private instruction There are many private language schools and instructors out there. This type of learning is ideal for those who don’t have time to attend scheduled classes.

TALKING POINT

THE INTERLOPER IN OUR MIDST

English influence on Danish has been monumental in 21st century It’s rather difficult to eavesdrop on a conversation between younger Danes these days without hearing an English word or two being bandied about.

And that’s not a coincidence, according to an expert who has found that upwards of 10 percent of the Danish language is influenced by English. In fact, the impact of English on the Danish language has been significant since the turn of the century.

Testing tolerance Henrik Gottlieb, an associate professor at the Department of English, German and Romance studies at the University of Copenhagen (KU), contends that of the 50,000-100,000 words that make up the Danish language there are 12,000 Anglicisms – a word or construction borrowed from English.

“We can’t really do without many of the words that come to us from English, like the word ‘film’, for instance. But the frequency of Anglicisms has reached a point today that the linguistic tolerance levels of many Danes is being challenged,” Gottlieb told Kristeligt Dagblad.

Gottlieb maintains that Danish

has long ‘borrowed’ from the dominating language of the time, but through the 20th century the influence of English grew steadily and in the 21st century it has become monumental.

Too smart by half Gottlieb is behind the Danish contribution to the global Anglicism database network (GLAD) that 100 researchers are currently building up. The project is due to run until 2021 and Gottlieb has already documented about half of the Anglicisms in Danish – about 6,000.

“It is my estimation that 5-10 percent of words in Danish today stem from English, and only some give rise to irritation. One of the most used is ‘app’, which has seen a meteoric rise in the language since 2008, but hasn’t produced much trouble,” said Gottlieb, who is working on a new book on the subject, ‘Echoes of English’.

“But it’s more annoying when the IT or business sectors use smart-arse English expressions, or when you say ‘rolig nu’, which is taken from the English ‘easy now’, instead of using ‘tag det roligt’.”

Gottlieb did suggest that while there are many English words entering and bringing new meaning to Danish, most of the

words are used in accordance with the grammatical principles of Danish.

For further reading on the issue, check out ‘A Dictionary of Anglicisms in Danish’ by Knud Sørensen from 1997.

Official Danish classes free of charge day, evening & online in central Copenhagen Learn the Danish you need Get access to ministerial exams & tests Strengthen your network in Denmark Sign up at www.ucplusdansk.dk

About UCplus UCplus is an official provider of the Danish Language Education. You are entitled to attend the Danish Language Education free of charge for up to 42 months (3½ years) within a five-year period, starting when you arrive in Denmark.

We have been teaching Danish to new residents since 2007.

Visit us at Nørregade 27 1165 KBH K Call us at +45 44 87 01 66 Email us at cph@ucplus.dk

UCplus

ADVICE

CPH POST recently had the privilege of sitting down with three experts on the benefits of language tuition for new arrivals to Denmark.

Nikolai Lubanski is the director of talent attraction at Copenhagen Capacity, the formal investment promotion agency of Greater Copenhagen; Annette Juel Baunsgaard is the founder of Onboardingsdk, which eases incoming expats into their new lives in Denmark; and Thomas Mulhern is the managing director of Globally Local, which assists companies with diversity management programs.

THE CONSENSUS IS CLEAR: A COMMAND OF DANISH WILL HELP YOUR CAREER

For the long haul All three agree that learning Danish is a crucial step toward successfully integrating in Denmark, from advancing at work, to mingling with the crowd, to enjoying a rich social life, to getting the most out of your time in Denmark, however long that might be.

FACEBOOK/KBH SPROGCENTER

Quite simply, to paraphrase Nikolai Lubanski, while English is often the corporate language, Danish is the career language.

How many companies seem interested in the prospect of getting their international hires to learn Danish?

It’s been around four years since we collaborated, and now there are almost 7,000 international teams interested in taking the courses. Probably around 80 percent of the companies we deal with acknowledge the need because they look at the return on investment.

NIKOLAI LUBANSKI

How important is Danish at the workplace?

Even though most people here are able to speak English, knowing Danish helps you get into different settings. You would be better acquainted with the country and also your workplace – it is a part of getting out of the international bubble. And likewise, for the international individual talent: simply because we believe that even if the corporate language is English, the career language is definitely Danish – to open new doors and opportunities for promotions. It is a good idea if you want to

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network and further your abilities.

ANNETTE JUEL BAUNSGAARD

And in the corporate world – for a company as an entity?

Often companies start working more with Danish customers, and then it’s handy to have Danish speaking staff for good customerrelations building. It is important to know the language while working with clients, manufacturers and suppliers who are still very reluctant to communicate only in English.

Moreover, it is essential for B2B relations and to understand the work culture of Denmark.

Apart from at work, how essential is Danish in everyday life?

There are definitely other benefits of learning Danish looking from the personal livability side of it. I emphasise learning it to have a fuller life and being able to interact with the Danes. For families, it is helpful to know Danish when their kids are studying in Denmark to speak with the teachers and understand instructions – if they have to go to the doctor, to the supermarket etc. They will obviously navigate their way through in English, but Danish helps them get so much closer to society.

What do you think about the future of expats in Denmark?

I think it will only increase because if you look at the labour market situation over the last few years, internationals are highly needed.

Hopefully, we will see some positive times looking at what is really needed than what the strict immigration policies do.

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Can you tell us a bit about Onboarding2dk?

Onboarding to Denmark is a company I started in March this year. I have been in the recruitment and onboarding industry for over 20 years at different kinds of companies, including the HR department at DTU and Copenhagen Business School. I built a great network there in regard to the authorities and municipalities, which is the reason I was able to then start my own business. I am dedicated to helping people getting a good start in Denmark. That’s my motivation.

How important do you think it is for internationals to learn Danish?

Learning the Danish language is a very important way for internationals to pave their way into Danish society. That way they can

ADVICE

THOMAS MULHERN

However, if you really want to maximise your ability to thrive at your workplace, Danish is a must; you will invariably reach a certain level in the organisation where having Danish is almost a prerequisite to be able to have influence.

socialise, integrate and have a better life in Denmark, which is much better than the one in which you don’t understand anything being said across the table. In my work, I have seen many internationals leave Denmark because they don’t feel they can interact with the people and in society. Speaking the language will give you a sense of belonging and a good life here.

What’s the importance of Danish in the workplace?

I would say it is very important. It is among the most important things to learn when you are an expat working here. You can understand things that are being said in the workplace and break the otherwise prevalent cultural barrier. It’s a tendency for employees to talk in Danish during lunch and not to integrate with internationals sometimes. So it’s crucial to mix with the crowd.

And for the expat’s family ...

It depends on how long you are planning to be in Denmark. If it’s more than two years, then it’s very important to at least learn the basics.

It helps with socializing – for example with one’s neighbours. It’s a good way to break into society and develop friendships, which can be quite a challenge otherwise in Denmark.

Having a social life is very important. You want to be happy – that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

What do you think about the future of expats in Denmark and the growing importance of the Danish language?

I hope it will be a mixture of languages and cultures. Danish people also perhaps might learn more languages in order to know about the other nationalities around them. I hope that’s the way it goes. When you come to a new country as an expat, you should learn the language of course and hopefully from someone like Copenhagen Language Center.

Hopefully more expats actually learn the language.

What about the importance of learning Danish for an international’s social life – in the wider community away from the workplace?

Indeed. It’s also important in terms of social life – to make local friends and to participate in different clubs that which are predominantly Danish. If you have your children at a Danish school, then the communication is primarily in Danish. There are a lot of such places throughout society where it’s really beneficial to just be able to read Danish and speak Danish to make life easier. We can see a direct correlation between settling in and learning the language and how that impacts well-being.

What’s the importance of Danish in the corporate sector?

At a strategic level we see that learning Danish is crucial in terms of building up a network of especially Danes, as well as having more influence and increased wellbeing at the workplace.

From the company’s perspective, they see it as a cog in terms of maximising employee performance and retaining a higher percentage of global talent so that they can contribute in the best way possible.

Do you think that the companies also push their employees to opt for the language – more than it being an option, maybe some companies actually have a necessity?

Some do. It’s a mix. There are some companies where the corporate language is English, so there’s not that expectation. There are others where employees are expected to learn the language – otherwise they will just be given the minutes of a meeting and then a brief summary at the end.

What do you think about the future of expats in Denmark in general?

Well, we can see that the number of expats keeps growing – especially in the Copenhagen area. So I expect that trend to continue. I think that in terms of the influence that it will have on society, it depends. It’s like there is a glass ceiling for many top leaders who come from a different culture and don’t speak the Danish language, which prevents them from making it to the top levels. But we will see how the changing demographics affect that and how Denmark reacts to more diversity, because it’s historically a monoculture.

Do you think that the Danish language is one of the important factors that comes into play?

I think it’s a very important factor. It’s a way of building bridges. If you move to a society, it’s a way of demonstrating that I’m here and I want to understand you, a Dane, today in your native tongue. I want to communicate at the best possible level. And that’s a great way of showing it. It’s a way of showing that you want to be active and participate.

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS GUIDE AUTUMN 2 02 1

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ADVICE

By Ben Hamilton Mastering a new language is never easy, but it helps if you know what you should prioritise

TEACHER

Few students ever have exactly the same experience learning a language.

Mother tongue skills, along with already acquired proficiency, means it is rarely a level playing field.

KNOWS

And some simply practise more than others!

The key to success Ask the foreign language teachers, however, and you’re more likely to get more rounded feedback and insight.

BEST!

They’ve seen it all and, more and likely, contemplated every searching question.

We recently caught up with two of them to ask them what the key to success is when learning a new language.

KENN CHRISTENSEN Nationality: Danish Age: 44 Years as a teacher: 12 Success is a collaboration. What do the students need to bring to the table to achieve good results?

A positive and open mindset and the will to work on the language when they’re not in

class. The first two are important because Danish can at times seem like climbing a mountain with no end to it. Then it is important to focus on what you actually can say or do in instead of all the things you have not learned yet. Being open-minded, both in class and outside, will definitely speed up your learning. So embrace the strange pronunciation and try your best, even though it feels embarrassing the first few times. Get into it! The ‘will to work’ refers to how you will obviously learn faster if you practise at home. For example, try a few bits at work, listen to Danish podcasts or TV and, of course, do your homework.

speaking with friends, writing a few lines etc.

Some internationals are adamant they don’t need to learn Danish because everyone speaks such good English. What would you tell them?

You can live a life in Denmark without speaking any Danish, but language is an important part of our culture and our society.

Your life here will open up so to speak, and things will make sense in a completely different way when you understand what your colleagues are talking about in the canteen, whether your mother-in-law is praising you or not, or when you’re watching the news and actually comprehending what they’re talking about.

What would you advise internationals who live in Denmark about learning Danish?

If possible, speak Danish with the Danes! We Danes love to speak English, but it is worth speaking (even just a little) Danish in order to push yourself in the right direction. Not all situations are perfect for this, so try to find a place and time with a Dane where you can be relaxed and have fun with it. And try to find a routine whereby you practise Danish every day, whether it be listening to Danish music,

Presumably you derive satisfaction out of teaching somebody Danish. Any success stories you’d care to share? Or friendships?

I have seen numerous examples of people at this school starting with no knowledge of Danish, who after completing their courses can actually speak Danish at work or at home with their spouses and children. It is not an easy language and it takes effort, but it can definitely be done!

RIKKE JENSEN Nationality: Danish Age: 49 Years as a teacher: 21

Some internationals are adamant they don’t need to learn Danish because everyone speaks such good English. What would you tell them?

It is their own choice, but they should know that the language will give them more opportunities, whilst also enabling them to build better relations.

Success is a collaboration. What do the students need to bring to the table to achieve good results?

Motivation and a positive attitude in the classroom is very important. As a teacher I also consider it part of my job to give that to the students.

What would you advise internationals who live in Denmark about learning Danish?

To be open to learning the language – and to not be scared of pronunciation!

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LANGUAGE SCHOOLS GUIDE AUT UM N 202 1

Presumably you derive satisfaction out of teaching somebody Danish. Any success stories you’d care to share? Or friendships?

I love my job, and I particularly like teaching in a multicultural environment. It always opens interesting perspectives and it enables me to observe my own language, culture and society through new eyes – every day.

OPINION

By Adrian Mackinder I had an epiphany the other day that has reduced my stress levels no end. I am no longer going to feel guilty about not speaking Danish. I’m going to let it go.

People tell me I should speak Danish. Just like that. Like it’s a quick, easy task. Like it’s not a hard language to learn. Well it is. It really is.

I mean, there’s a reason it never caught on, globally speaking. And I’m raising two tiny kids. I’m not going to dedicate what precious little down time I have to sitting in a classroom in an evening learning Danish. I’m too tired.

People have said that the fact I don’t speak Danish is disrespectful. Almost as disrespectful as guilt-tripping me into doing something that I don’t have the time, money or inclination to do – just so you can feel a little less uncomfortable. Relax. Me not speaking Danish is not going to undermine Danish culture, tradition and heritage. I’m polite and courteous, I work hard, I obey the law, I pay my taxes. I’m just trying to get through the damn day. Leave me alone.

You always speak twice And if you’re not comfortable speaking English? That’s fine. I’ll meet you halfway. We can still converse. Because I guarantee your English will always be better than my Danish.

And speaking Danish to Danes is a gruelling, demoralising ordeal. Why? Because Danes are just not used to hearing their language

spoken with a foreign accent, so there’s no cognitive elasticity. That’s why, if you mispronounce a Danish word, even slightly, they often won’t understand you. They won’t meet you halfway. It’s exhausting.

People have told me I’m arrogant. How dare I come over here and not speak the language.

I’m not arrogant. I’m just honest and realistic.

I do understand why some expats feel they should learn Danish. They see themselves as guests in this country. Well, I’ve got news for you. You’re not a guest. You come here legally and pay your taxes. You’ve got as much right to be here as any Dane. And if you think being born here gives you the right to tell a foreigner how they should conduct themselves, and if they contribute equally to society and the economy, then you’re just a big old racist.

Live and let live People have said to me that by not fully integrating I risk ghettoising myself in the expat community. Well here’s the thing. I fucking love the expat community. I’m proud to be part of it. Because here, we represent people from all over the world, bringing with us a veritable multiverse of culture, history, customs and experience. Denmark is a monoculture. We expats bring the diversity.

We bring vibrancy. When I host comedy or improv nights and speak to the crowd, I don’t see a ghetto. I see a wonderful rainbow of inclusivity, splattering colour over all this

Danish grey.

I’m not patriotic. As you can tell. Take my own country. There are things I love about Britain. There are things I hate about Britain – especially right now. But the pub culture is best in class. Bottom line. I loathe nationalism.

It’s dangerous, divisive and destructive. I don’t care where you’re from. Just be kind, be generous, and be open to others’ differences.

That’s enough surely? We don’t need to be waving a flag all the time. Even if there’s cake.

Okay – maybe if there’s cake.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN NOV 2019

ADRIAN MACKINDER

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS GUIDE AUTUMN 2 02 1

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Learn DANISH for FREE right by Nørreport Station ”Danish courses with CLAVIS; they are perfect for employees”

”Well equipped school with convenient location in CPH city center”

CLAVIS student

CLAVIS student

CLAVIS student

”Good opportunities for social and professional networking”

”One of the best:-)”

”Made good progress with my Danish” CLAVIS student

”A great language school with excellent teachers and teaching methods”

CLAVIS student

CLAVIS student

Classroom, online or blended teaching Morning, day, evening, Saturday and online classes

CLAVIS - www.clavis.org ● Nørregade 49, 1165 Copenhagen K. ● Phone: +45 41 73 81 00 ● Email: cph@clavis.org