Language/Swedish/Culture/Telling-Swedes-What-you-Really-Think
In this lesson's dialogue, Kerstin is not really trying to hide the fact that she doesn't agree with how Hans has rearranged the furniture, and we'll, therefore, talk a bit about when it's socially acceptable to express your opinion or when it might be less appropriate. Swedes are, overall, pretty okay with speaking their minds, and more often than not it's okay to share each other's opinions. Whether or not it's actually okay to say what you are thinking does, however, depend on the situation you're in and, of course, what your opinion is. Expressing an opinion that is highly controversial while talking to your boss might, for example, not be a great idea. When you're with your Swedish friends, then it's usually fine to speak your mind, but opinions that directly or even indirectly criticize your friends' behavior or appearance should be avoided or presented in such a manner that your friends don't feel attacked. Swedes wouldn't be overly happy about having their opinions criticized. This doesn't mean that you can't question someone's opinions, but it needs to be done in a respectful manner.
Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Swedish Culture: Traditional Dishes and Dining Customs., Personal Hygiene, Swedish holidays & Making Small Talk in Swedish.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Eating Habits and Food Prices in Sweden
- Education in Sweden
- Personality Traits
- Homework Help
- What Swedes do in their Spare Time
- Fast Food
- Åland History
- Lost Property in Sweden
- Postcards
- How Do Swedish Students Celebrate Graduation
- Sweden History
- Personal Hygiene
- Fika
- Expressing Emotions