The Languages of Sweden
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 15 May 2025End Date: 05 Jun 2025Thu (Evening): 18:30 - 19:30OnlineFull fee £49.00 Senior fee £49.00 Concession £32.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This short lecture series will introduce students to the languages and dialects of Sweden. Our first focus is on the national language and its rich and varied dialects. You'll learn to recognise certain features of Swedish dialects and learn about how Swedish is spoken and used beyond Sweden. We'll also take a look at Swedish through a sociolinguistic lense and consider the social and cultural factors that have shaped the language today.
Sweden is far from linguistically homogenous. The country has 5 official minority languages associated with different peoples and ethnic groups: Yiddish, Romani Chib, the Sami languages, Finnish and Meänkieli. We'll see how these languages have fought for survival against all the odds.
The lecture series ends with an introduction to Swenglish and the influence of English on Swedish. We'll take a particular look at the phenomenon of English swear words in Swedish.
What will we cover?
Session 1: the Swedish language
- How is Swedish related to other Scandinavian and Germanic languages?
- How have the forces of nationalism and social democracy shaped the Swedish spoken today?
- Where else in the world is Swedish spoken?
- How does the state regulate the Swedish language?
Session 2: Swedish dialects
- What are the man varieties of Swedish dialects?
- How can we distinguish between dialect and language in the Swedish and Nordic context?
- Are Swedish dialects dying out?
- How can we recognise and distinguish particular dialects of Swedish?
Session 3: Minority languages and cultures
- Which peoples are associated with each of Sweden's national minority languages?
- How has the Sweden state treated these languages in the past?
- How are these languages being nurtured and promoted in modern day Sweden?
Session 4: Swenglish
- What is the status of English in Sweden?
- How is English influencing Swedish language and culture?
- How are English swear words borrowed into Swedish?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand how Swedish is related to other Scandinavian and Germanic languages
- recognise certain features of Swedish dialects
- appreciate the rich linguistic heritage of Sweden
- understand how English is influencing the Swedish language today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory lecture course and no prior knowledge is required. An interest in Sweden or sociolinguistics is the only prerequisite.The lectures will be delivered in English and all Swedish examples used will be translated.
Students on City Lit's Swedish language courses will be able to recognise words, phrases and cultural references. However, everything will be expained in an accessible way. No prior Swedish language knowledge is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Structured online lectures with accompanying audio-visual material
- Final group discussion in session 4.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students are not required to bring anything.
Slides and additional reading/watching material will be provided after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a range of Nordic language and history courses. Ask you tutor for guidance on how you can continue learning about this fascinating region.
WELSH: Jack was brought up in the traditionally Welsh-speaking heartland of north Pembrokeshire. He has taught Welsh to adults since 2017 both at City Lit and beyond. In 2023, he completed his PhD at Ysgol y Gymraeg (Cardiff University) on Welsh learners’ pronunciation. Jack continues his particular interest in pronunciation both in his classes and through teaching dedicated pronunciation workshops at City Lit. SWEDISH: A keen language learner, Jack began his Swedish learning journey at City Lit and quickly became obsessed by this fascinating Germanic language. Jack has an advanced certificate in Swedish from Folkuniversitetet (Göteborg) and now coordinates Swedish language courses at the College. As a tutor on Swedish grammar workshops and beginner level courses, Jack enjoys helping learners to overcome the challenges that he himself faced as a learner.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.