• Sweden edition

Swedetalker

The journal of language rookie Patrick Reilly

Day 10 – Healthy Debate

I’m beginning to wonder that I choose the wrong career by going into the broke journalism trade instead of the more lucrative investment banker division. Judging by my numeracy skills on our recent tests I’m a distinct loss to the thieves. Hmm, where is my fat expense account?

Bitterness aside I clocked up a high grade on my number test but (broken record moment) continue to trudge behind on the phrasing questions part of the exam. I simply can’t remember the correct order of vilket, vilken, vilka, vart(!) and the like. Vil you please go away and study them my teacher allegedly didn’t say according to a source.

In our last class we were divided into new groups and asked to rank in order of importance, frihet (freedom), kärlek (love), pengar (money), fred (peace), hälsa (health) and religion. Given the multicultural nature of my class there was a fierce debate over religion, so much so that our teacher scrubbed it off the list completely.

I was reliably informed if I followed one particular faith all my health issues would be taken care of while the love of rumbling around in a greasy till was universally despised. One of my classmates quizzed me on the political divide in my homeland and how our peace process could be applied elsewhere. I’m consistently amazed by how well-informed people from far-flung spots of the globe are about Ireland and it really puts my international knowledge gap to shame.

We completed the session with a crossword featuring new words we’ve, ahem, learned for our family members. Personal favs include farfar (literally Dad’s Dad) and systerson (nephew). Most of it makes sense as does the language once you stop translating it word-for-word into english. Now all I gotta do is figure out the tax system and I’ll be laughing, sadly not all the way to the bank. Damn career choice…

P.S. Many thanks for all the comments which I will be responding to ASAP. Your support and feedback is greatly appreciated.

P.P.S. Disturbing search results – Apparently somebody found my blog by typing in ‘Irish Grannies Sucking’ into Google. Weird.

Report abuse »

3 responses to “Day 10 – Healthy Debate”

  1. Louise says:

    Hi Patrick, you’re very handsome. Are you single?

    Report abuse »

  2. swedetalker says:

    Haha! I’m afraid this gargoyle has been taken off the market for obvious reasons. I stole my profile pic from a frame.
    P.S. I know this is a wind-up plus I know who you are and where you live :)

    Report abuse »

  3. Louise says:

    Damn :(

    My girlfriends will be so disappointed when I tell them

    Report abuse »

Leave a reply

By posting a comment you agree to be bound by The Local's terms and conditions.


Highlights from Follow Sweden

Meet Sanna, 9 years old

Sanna is one of 2 million people in Sweden under the age of 18. Sweden is seen as a good place to grow up. The law makes sure children are well-protected and defends their rights and any organizations work with children's well-being. Read more »

Strindberg, king of drama

August Strindberg's plays shocked society, dazzled audiences and revolutionized drama. A century after his death, Strindberg, with his powerful, timeless themes, is celebrated around the world. Read more »

Blog Update: Snuggling With the Enemy

20 May 17:38

The story of K Composite Magazine »

"I’m working on a couple long articles which will be posted here soon. While those are in the works, I thought I’d share this article and interview about my magazine, K Composite, which was recently published on the site Design-Milk.com. Enjoy! Scott Ritcher launched his now digitally glossy mag, K Composite, back when Macs were used..." READ »

Highlights
Thegreenj/Wikipedia (File)
OPINION »
Swedish journalist and columnist Ola Tedin to reflect on how a sometimes uncritical media appears to serve the interests of the Swedish state
Photo: Shayne Kaye/Flickr (file)
BUSINESS & MONEY »
Nine of ten tourists 'happy' with Sweden
DoToday
LIFESTYLE »
What's On: The Local's guide to upcoming attractions and events in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.
German ambassador Harald Kindermann
OPINION »
Harald Kindermann, the German ambassador to Sweden, talks to The Local about the importance of the German language, nuclear power, and the legacy of the Stasi.
Claudio Bresciani/Scanpix
LIFESTYLE »
The Local's coverage of the baptism of Princess Estelle
Björn Tesch/Arbetsförmedlingen (File)
BUSINESS & MONEY »
Sweden drifting from 'Swedish model': report
The Local Street Style - Lund
GALLERY »
The Local's Street Style from Lund, southern Sweden.
Olle Lindeborg/Scanpix (File)
OPINION »
The problem of profiting ex-politicos isn't simply money, money, money, argues contributor and historian David Linden
LIFESTYLE »
The Local catches up with Sweden’s comedian of the year Al Pitcher and preview our first ever “Local Lockdown” video segment.
Photo: Aprilbell.stock.xcbng.com
OPINION »
Sweden strips foreign doctoral candidates of the same rights as other tax-paying migrant workers, argue a group of doctoral candidates from the Royal Institute for Technology (KTH).
Marco Vasini/Scanpix
SPORT »
Sweden looking for redemption at Euros
Chadawg24/Flickr (File)
LIFESTYLE »
'Are Swedes really more polite in English?'
Photo: Nikater
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Saxony with InterRail: a gateway to central Europe
Photo: AGS
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Moving made easy: Top tips for your international move
Photo: Poker Listings
SPONSORED ARTICLE
No Swedes Signed Up for Most Expensive Poker Tournament Ever
Photo: Jan Videgren
SPONSORED ARTICLE
How Bergman blazed a trail for Swedish film
Photo: Contiki
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Ten great reasons to travel this summer
Photo: Stock image
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Swedish university traditions make foreigners feel at home
Swedish Down Town
Swedish Down Town PR Consulting and Productions is an innovative business company which provides valuable assistance with Public Relations and Communications in the Swedish and the international market.
www.swedishdowntown.com
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION ON SWEDISH HIGH COAST
Comfortable Fully Serviced Apartments for Leisure or Business Travel Beautiful surroundings. Internet & Sat TV
www.oldriverhouse.se
Volunteer Venture
Volunteer Venture is dedicated to promoting community tourism by welcoming volunteers and travelers to discover the cultural differences in Nepal as English teaching volunteers, orphanage volunteers, Monk teachers and many more
www.volunteerventure.org/
The Local's new Marketplace
Find products and services that are specifically focused on English speakers living in Sweden!
FULL DETAILS
English Speaking Therapist Stockholm
British-Australian Male Counsellor. Counselling Therapy for Depression, Mental Health, Sex, Relationship & Expat Issues
08-559 22 636 or CLICK HERE
Doctor of Psychology
Therapy in English in Stockholm Trained in California Individuals & Couples (08) 93 81 48 FREE phone consultation
Visit anxiousorblue.se
Turning Point Counseling
Turning Point Counselling centre offers the international community of Stockholm a safe space for personal development, counselling and coaching.
http://www.turning-point.se/show.asp