Vestiges of Colonialism: English Speakers in Sweden

Swedish is not a hard language for English people to learn. Despite this, many long-term English ex-pats continue to claim cultural dominance over Swedes by forcing them to speak English.

Swedes are often eager to demonstrate that they are part of the wider global community by speaking English. When they meet an English person they switch to English to show their politeness and proficiency. The English person blithely accepts this gift of humility as their due, content that another Swede has made things easier for them - 'They all speak English don't they, it's easy for them' - thinks the English person. What they don't realise is that by doing this they are actually being incredibly rude. They are not reciprocating the consideration the Swede is giving them. They are indicating that that they have chosen to live in Sweden but can't be bothered with the language. To me, they are basically saying 'My language is bigger and better than your little language. You can struggle along and talk to me, I'm the important one'. It's a form of cultural domination.

And what many English people here don't realise is that sometimes the Swede is actually struggling to speak English. It is still their second language, after all. Learning a language is not simply a case of 'downloading' information into your brain - it takes time, effort and creativity. Yes they may seem confident, but you might notice that sometimes they say "I'm not sure what the English is, but..." This is your cue to show willing and speak Swedish, you thoughtless English twits! 

So if you've been here ages and have some Swedish in your head, please don't force English upon the Swedes all the time (especially when they're tired!). Open your mouth and try. It will be appreciated, and you won't be doing the cultural equivalent of this:

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NOTE: I have used the example of the English in this blog, but it could just as easily be applied to other English-speaking people. I've heard of an Australian who worked here for years who could hardly speak a word of Swedish....