Scandinavian Language Institute

I’ve attended Norwegian and Swedish classes here off and on for over five years now. The variety of class levels and the opportunities for involvement in fun extracurriculars (Film Club, parade marching, tours of Norway, etc.) really make the institute an awesome and inviting place. I’ve had four really great instructors, all fluent in both the languages and culture of Scandinavia. If you are thinking of taking a Scandinavian language class, either for personal enrichment or travel and business purposes, there really is no place like the Scandinavian Language Institute.

Scandinavian Language Institute is likely one of a kind in North America, if not the world. A full service language school (beginner to advanced) teaching what many outside the Puget Sound region might call obscure languages and culture (Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Icelandic) it fits a very specific and well defined niche: the local descendants of the area’s Scandinavian settlers. I’ve taken a number of years of both Norwegian and Swedish language (my mother is Swedish; my father is Norwegian – in these parts that’s a mixed marriage). The native and all but native speakers bring to life the languages I heard as a child but was discouraged from speaking. Assimilation was the key. Now, through Ed, Kristina, Linda and Virginia, I’ve been able to speak the languages my family spoke for generations before the two that we’ve spoken English. All instructors have lived in the countries whose languages they teach. They’re patient, they’re helpful, they’re considerate and likely most important, they’re interested in and passionate about the language, culture and country they share. If anyone is interested in a Scandinavian language, sit in on a class. As I recall tuition isn’t due until after the third lesson. I’ve made good friends, good contacts and enjoy the company of people most of whom have my same background and are there because they want to be rather than they have to be.