Speaking Norwegian is not enough. When you live in Norway, the unspoken social codes can lead to misunderstandings. Check out my the most important ones.
1.Norwegians are practical and direct.
Would you like coffee? They never ask if they aren’t willing to do it. So no reason for you to be shy. And they expect a simple yes or no. So, if a Norwegian host asks if you want coffee, be honest. Say “Yes, please.” or “No, thank you”. If you say no, case closed.
In Brazil, as a former Portuguese colony, showing shyness is a part of the game. Hosts would ask even if they aren’t willing to make coffee. Guests tend to say no when we they mean yes. In the sense: “I don’t want to cause you trouble”. Then the host would insist: “No trouble at all, it’s a pleasure”. Then you say: “Oh. Ok, then, if it’s fine for you, I’d like some coffee please”. You’ll NEVER see that scene in Norway. Feel free to take notes as you read this post.
One of my Brazilian friends learned this one the hard way the first time she was invited to dinner in Norway. She said: “No, thanks.” and the host never insisted. No coffee, then. And she wanted coffee.
2.Norwegians use fewer words to express themselves.
I have a theory it’s because of the cold weather. Who wants to open their mouth and freeze their gums? Even I get more silent in the Winter. I made a video that was a success. Check my Instagram video here to understand what I’m saying.
In Norway, I’ve learned to be ok during pauses in conversations. In Brazil, people tend to fill in the gaps immediately.
3.When they decline an invitation, Norwegians don’t explain why.
I just LOVE this aspect of the society. They just say: “I can’t make it. Unfortunately.”. “Det passer dårlig. Dessverre.”. In Brazil, you need to explain why. Full story. It feels like the person who invites you is suspicious.
4.Norwegians don’t like to be stared at, but if you look and greet by slightly moving your head, they’ll greet back and even smile (in the Summer).
Would you like to know my most embarrassing moment isn Norway? Check the post here.
5.If you need help, ASK.
Norwegians don’t walk around offering help, but once you ask, they’ll help you. I have hundreds of examples. Here’s my most recent Personal story: I had forgotten my mobile at home. I was downtown in Stavanger and I needed to take the bus to go back home. I had cash and credit card, but it seems that you can only buy a bus ticket through an app. It’s corona pandemic, so the contact with the bus driver is impossible. There’s a barrier tape one meter distance from the driver. I tried to shout my question (how to pay for the ticket) but the mask and the bus noise made it impossible for him to hear me. So I sat down facing a teenager. She didn’t make eye contact. Totally confused (because I am that person who pays all my bills), I shouted Hi from behind my mask. She heard me and said hi back. I told her my problem. She confirmed that the app is the only way to pay. Then she tranquilized me and said it is ok not to pay this time. I thanked her and found a seat. In case you’re wondering, as I got home I opened the app and paid my ticket.
Which one is your favorite? Or most difficult to follow? My favorite in number 3 and my most difficult is number 4 as I always miss the greeting gap. I’d love to read your comments.
On my Instagram, there are many videos about cultural differences. Follow me here.
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Exatamente assim. Muito bom 🔝🥰
Obrigada, Erinice querida. 🙂