Free Swedish Language Classes

The Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation invites the community to participate in free Swedish language lessons. Classes will meet weekly on Mondays in the lounge of Cal Lutheran’s Samuelson Chapel, 165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks. Classes begin at 6 p.m., and social time will follow at 7 p.m.

This 13-week series is for beginners, but intermediate and advanced students also may join. The goal is to prepare for Swedish small talk (småprata). The first hour will be a formal class taught via Zoom by Maria Katinka, a full-time professional language teacher from Sweden. Participants will sit together in the same room while Maria appears by Zoom. 

Tuition is free, and course materials will be included in a printable PDF booklet emailed to each student. To receive the booklet, email karendarnall@me.com.

The second hour will be a time to socialize with Swedish speakers during coffee break (Fika). Snacks and beverages will be served on the patio (weather permitting). Fika is a uniquely Swedish cultural concept, a time to pause and socialize with friends and colleagues for the purpose of getting acquainted.  

Syllabus:

• Sept. 8: Greetings, learn short phrases of introduction, interview a partner 
• Sept. 15: Name family and friends, learn possessive pronouns, draw family tree
• Sept. 22: Engage in small talk about the weather
• Sept. 29: Order meals, offer coffee, Fika traditions
• Oct. 6: School, work
• Oct. 13: Cities, streets, maps, traffic
• Oct. 20: Dates, times, holiday seasons
• Oct. 27: Residences, home decor (IKEA)
• Nov. 3: Sports, music, films, recreation
• Nov. 10: Travel plans, airports, trains, buses
• Nov. 17: Health and sickness, role play with partner
• Nov. 24: Winter traditions, music, food, Santa Lucia
• Dec. 1: Review language skills, look forward to next semester

RSVP to David Nelson at dnelson@callutheran.edu or Karen Darnall at karendarnall@me.com or 805-558-6916.