10 reasons why learning Norwegian is a great investment
People migrate to Norway for different reasons – love, work, studies, and protection. Irrespective of the reason, one challenge we all face is navigating life in a society that speaks predominantly Norwegian, which is a non-widely used language that is different from what we might have been used to.
Having interacted with thousands of immigrants through our projects and events, we at Inter-Nationals understand that learning a new language is not always easy – especially for an adult. High course fee (click here for 10 great ways to learn Norwegian for free), health challenges and disabilities, work inflexibilities, family commitments, fear of judgement, are some of the additional factors that can make the language acquisition process slower and more challenging.
Here are 10 reasons why you should invest in learning Norwegian, despite the challenges listed above:
1) It is the respectful thing to do: Making efforts to learn Norwegian is a sign of respect to the people of Norway and their culture. This does not translate to abandoning your own language, because the brain is elastic enough to accommodate different languages. Also, when people from different countries speaking different languages move to Norway, Norwegian is the common language that unites us.
2) It expands your job pool: Many Norwegians speak English at a professional level, and English is the working language in some Norwegian companies – especially companies that operate internationally. However, more than 50% of companies in Norway are classified as SMEs based on headcount. Employees in these companies are often close knit and the language spoken is often Norwegian. When you learn Norwegian, you will expand your limited pool of English-speaking jobs to a wider pool than includes at least an additional 50% of companies in your desired industry.
3) It expands your upskilling opportunities: Norway is one of the handful countries that still offers tuition free higher education to its citizens, residents, and non-residents. However, not all programme and courses are available in English. When you learn Norwegian, you increase the of interesting courses you can choose from.
Also, to study a Norwegian taught course, you need to have what is known as Generelle Studiekompetanse (GSK), which means meeting the university entry requirements including B2 in English and Norwegian.
Inter-Nationals currently has an upskilling / reskilling programme that provides guidance to immigrants wanting to take university level courses or degrees taught in Norwegian. We will guide you through the application process and mentor you throughout your studies period. Click here to learn more about this programme.
Inter-Nationals is currently offering an upskilling programme, a public policy influencer programme and an intensive Norwegian exam preparatory class. Click here to learn more.
4) Pops your immigrant bubble and expand your network: Many people live in an immigrant bubble i.e., they interact only with other immigrants who speak English or another shared language. While it is not a guarantee that learning Norwegian will automatically earn you Norwegian friends, it at least opens the opportunity for you to connect with locals at a deeper surface level.
5) Better parenting: Some people say parenting is hard but imagine how harder it could be if you and your kids do not “speak the same language”. Learning Norwegian and knowing what is happening around you allows you to guide your child(ren) socially and better support them academically.
6) Boost your brain power: It is scientifically proven that learning a foreign language positively impacts neuroplasticity, boost cognition, and improves critical thinking skills. We need not belabor this point.
7) Protects you from exploitation: The term migrant exploitation is a bitter reality for many. According to a UNESCO report, migrants, particularly those in irregular situations, are highly vulnerable to being exploited. While you cannot always control the actions of others, you can at least protect yourself by learning Norwegian and hence Norwegian laws including your rights.
8) You become a more active citizen: The first stage of moving to a new place is often survival. One key indicator that you are thriving is having enough knowledge to understand and influence public policies at local or national level. The main public policy processes are often undertaken in Norwegian. Learning Norwegian allows you to confidently take your seat at the table.
Inter-Nationals currently has a policy influence project where you will learn how policies are made in Norway and how you can be an active part of influencing these policies. Click here to learn more about upcoming policy workshops.
9) You are halfway into learning other Scandinavian languages: Learning Norwegian is similar to a “buy one, get the other for 50%” offer. Due to Norway’s historical union between Sweden and Denmark, the languages have blended too. The strong similarities between these languages means that as a Norwegian speaker, you will not be totally lost when interacting with a Danish or Swedish speaker.
10) It is fun and can be free: Learning a new language can be fun and Norwegian is not an exception. Click this link to learn about 10 free and fun ways you can become fluent in Norwegian.
The Norwegian society has a moral and social responsibility to support you to thrive in Norway, and you have even bigger responsibilities, one of which is learning Norwegian.