(edit title) Culture differences - Britain-Sweden A good chat Options

[scandiland]

Like so many other Swedes who have made Britain their home, I find it compelling to reflect on differences between the Swedish and the British culture. Living in a small English town I often come across the British talent for small talk, like the very popular topic: the Weather. Meeting a neighbour in the street the following dialogue will often ensue:

Neighbour (smiles): Nice day
Me (smile back): Yes, isn’t it lovely. Yesterday was TERRIBLE, wet and windy.
Neighbour (serious): Yes, but we NEED the rain, it’s good for the garden.
Me (serious): That’s true. Goodbye.

This daily ritual can be used for people you know by sight or you don’t know at all, a good ice-breaker, as they say.

On old lady I know says she has had a good day if she’s met someone in the park and got chatting. I’ll talk to anybody, she says.
What’s Swedish for “a good chat”?

[Hamsterdam]

A good chat in Gothenburg is also about the weather.

A good chat doesn't exist in Stockholm

[chazza]

...Like so many other Swedes who have made Britain their home, . ...What’s Swedish for “a good chat”?

Your opening line indicates that you are Swedish therefore I am curious as to why you are asking us, the expats in Sweden what Swedish is for " a good chat"

[soultraveler3]

Thought that was weird as well.

[skogsbo]

I think 'Troll' the person has just joined and they are asking a question that would be more appropriately asked in Swedish to fellow Swedes??

The fact that people discuss the weather in these northern temperate climate is hardly news and the reasons are simple, the weather changes daily, if not hourly and it's a polite ice breaker or a means to communicate with your fellow man without seeming intrusive. Ok, next thread please.

[chazza]

No doubt a troll wanting to get things going. Got so excited in anticipation of stirring of the pot neglected to be credible. idiot. maybe.... wait and see

[Hamsterdam]

My mistake for answering a troll thread. It is bad enough that the non trolls argue like cat and do, let alone the "let's compare" culture vultures.

Close the thread TL

[Hamsterdam]

Duplicate post

[scandiland]

Oh dear, no, I’m not a troll as far as I’m aware, I am a Swedish person living in England. Also, I thought you had to write in English on this website…?
I will try and explain what I’m on about. It’s about a difference in culture, namely that the English like to chat to other people in a friendly way, even to strangers. And I miss that when I visit Sweden. Does anyone else think it’s easier to strike up a conversation in England than in Sweden?

[Mo]

yes it´s easier to chat to people in England, most of us know this and are somewhat sensitive to it.

[scandiland]

Does it mean that Swedes would like to chat more, but for some reason they think it’s not the right thing to do? When I visit Sweden I can feel it when I get off the plane, I go quiet when amongst other people. And I think: Yes, I’m home now, noone talks to me.

[skumdum]

As oppose to when you land i England and everyone is running up to you to chat. I can clearly see the cultural differences there.

[Gamla Hälsingebock]

Oh dear, no, I’m not a troll as far as I’m aware, I am a Swedish person living in England. Also, I thought you had to write in English on this website…?I will try and explain ... (show full quote)

Oh dear, no, I’m not a troll as far as I’m aware, I am a Swedish person living in England. Also, I thought you had to write in English on this website…?
I will try and explain what I’m on about. It’s about a difference in culture, namely that the English like to chat to other people in a friendly way, even to strangers. And I miss that when I visit Sweden. Does anyone else think it’s easier to strike up a conversation in England than in Sweden? ... (hide full quote)

Does it mean that Swedes would like to chat more, but for some reason they think it’s not the right thing to do? When I visit Sweden I can feel it when I get off the plane, I ... (show full quote)

Does it mean that Swedes would like to chat more, but for some reason they think it’s not the right thing to do? When I visit Sweden I can feel it when I get off the plane, I go quiet when amongst other people. And I think: Yes, I’m home now, noone talks to me. ... (hide full quote)

You should be thankful to be home!

People in those "other" countries are nattering about nothing and nothing is what they know best!

Swedes know that the more you speak the less value your words have...have you forgotten that?

You need to be sent back to those that "chat you up" without real meaning, understanding and good intention!

Go home to your real home, Troll!

[chazza]

well said old goat

[SergioSver]

your opening line indicates that you are Swedish therefore I am curious as to why you are asking us, the expats in Sweden what Swedish is for " a good chat"

What if a person has amnesia or memory loss?