domingo, 14 de outubro de 2012

The Norwegian Classes

The Norwegian Classes I offer on my site - Learn Norwegian Online - follow a set pattern. Naturally the pattern is adjustable, but it follows this pattern for a reason. The aim is to train all language aspects.
1. The first element in each language part or chapter is the grammatical part. Every class has a brief overview of the rules that will be gone through in the next topics in the class. Purpose is to be aware of them when we have training with the text and communication.
2. Text and reading. This part gets modified based on the level of the course. At the beginner's level focus is on repetition where in order to In the beginning the focus is on repetition where teacher reads the text first and it is to be repeated. Purpose is to both have training in common phrases and pronunciation. When you are at an intermediate level the added focus is also on vocabulary (in addition to more advanced grammar). Purpose is for you being able to have skills for a more and more advanced Norwegian including its vocabulary. This element is of the utmost importance for those who whom want to take the test "Bergenstesten".

Regardless of level there are discussions in connection with the reading tasks. Best way to learn is by production of the language one is learning. 

3. Listening tasks are an integral part of the classes. This is particularly important in the beginning to be used to hear Norwegian in various different dialects. It also encourage a stronger focus, because listening to newly learned words is more demanding than solely rely on the text.

4. Homework. When learning new topics and when classes are just a few times a week it is a huge advantage to do some training in between classes. This includes a written task that gets corrected for free.

A picture of the city of Bergen in Norway


Contact info for more information about the Norwegian classes:
email@norwegianlearning.com
Current Price for individual classes (60 minutes) in 2015: US$ 20

sexta-feira, 5 de outubro de 2012

Use of infinitive in phrases

When making phrases in Norwegian using two verbs in sequence, the principles are the same as when writing or speaking in English. Even so, it is sometimes difficult to transfer the rules to another language. Not too strange considering that so much of English is not directly transferable to Norwegian.

Same as with English it is very common when combining to verbs in sequence that the second is in infinitive with the article. This is regardless whether the first verb was in present or past tense, but here I will use present tense to make it easy.

English: He loves to eat chocolate
Norwegian: Han elsker å spise sjokolade

Some exceptions are for certain verbs, however, where the second verb will be in the infinitive format but without the article. These verbs are primarily in its present tense form : Kan, Skal, Vil, Må, Bør (Can, Shall, Will, Must, Should).

English: He can eat chocolate
Norwegian: Han kan spise sjokolade