Showing posts with label Best ways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best ways. Show all posts

Saturday, 27 October 2018

Swedish for Beginners: Tips for Teaching Yourself Swedish

October 27, 2018 0 Comments



I never had a reason for learning Swedish until I met my boyfriend 3 years ago. During my childhood in Jamaica, I was taught Spanish from as young as 6 all the way up to high school for 5 years as it was compulsory at the schools I attended. I always found Spanish challenging though. It was so hard for me to follow during classes, presentations etc. Luckily, at the end of high school I managed to pass the final exams that are held throughout the Caribbean (yay!) 

 Fast forward to when I came to Sweden.. Oh man, such a lovely and beautiful place! Not only am I not hearing just my boyfriend speak the language, I was also hearing it all around me! Just so beautiful how the words chorused from their mouths. Swedish sounds as if you are singing some would say and I have to agree! 

 After being in Sweden for a while visiting my boyfriend last year, it was then it hit me that I have to learn Swedish if I really want to start a life with my boyfriend and integrate within the Swedish society. Hence, I started doing my research on ways I could learn this language on MY OWN (and a little of his help) since I had no rights to study in Sweden during a visit unless I payed a tutor. 

This is my second year teaching myself self Swedish and I will share the tips with you that I have found and is using at the moment to further my knowledge. 


*(I took these steps in this actual order)




STEPS TO TEACHING YOURSELF SWEDISH:



1.      Having My Boyfriend Write Down the Swedish Alphabet 
swedish alphabet
 This was the very first step I took. One day my boyfriend wrote down the letters of the alphabet and a few other words on a small piece of paper and offered to do a recording of him saying the letters so I could listen every now and then. I even took that paper back home to Jamaica when I left. My advice to you is to start with the alphabet if you are at the very first stages of learning swedish. Focus on the letters Ä, Å and Ö. These letters can be tricky but becomes easier the more you practice to say them.





2.      Learning Swedish

learning swedish 
 
 I found this website called Learning Swedish. A Swedish Course developed and provided by The Swedish Institute. I must say this opened up the way for me a little more as a beginner. It taught me how to say the basic things that I would come across in everyday life. It also gave me more insight on the alphabet and how to count in Swedish. After every course, you are given a small quiz to test on how much you have learned. The best part is, it's all FREE!





3.      Duolingo 

learn swedish with duolingo 
 
 My brother-in-law recommended Duolingo to me during a period when he was teaching himself an Asian language. I downloaded the app and went straight to learning Swedish! Duolingo is a fun and interactive app for learning a new language. It teaches you mostly vocabulary and comes with a voice that help you to pronounce the words correctly. There are also clubs that you can join with other people who are learning the same language as you to share insights and advice. Duolingo is definitely a go for beginners in swedish if you want to make learning a bit more fun.






4.      SVT (Sveriges Television/ Sweden’s Television)

learn swedish with svt 

 I was having a hard time to really get the flow of words from the Swedes so I started watching SVT, the local tv station in Sweden to adjust to how the language sounds on a continuous pattern. Having subtitles is a good way to follow-up and to connect the swedish words to what they translate to in english. 
Note: SVT is not accessible to those who live outside of Sweden.





    5.      Music
learn swedish with swedish music

 I started listening to Swedish music, genres that I liked. I have a few favourites like Molly Sanden, Sabina Ddumba and Tommy Nilsson that I listen. I google the swedish lyrics and the translated version to get an understanding of what they sing about. The fun part is, when you remember the words and start to sing along you realise how well you start to pronounce the words as the swedes do.





     6.      A Concise Swedish Grammar

 I started to realise that even though I was building my vocabulary, I didn’t know how to formulate a proper sentence and the rules to formulating a sentence. So I felt I needed something more since I don’t have a real teacher. Then I thought, a book perhaps! I came across a book called A Concise Swedish Grammar that's written in english (other languages also like French, Somalian, German etc) and thought to myself, why not give this book a try? I am now somewhat at intermediate level in Swedish and I don't think it would've been possible without this book. It.. is.. worth.. your time of learning swedish. This books teaches you the full-on rules of almost everything in swedish. How to make sentences, when to use certain words, etc. Since my boyfriend is currently a university student, I took the advantage of following him to school and borrow the book in their library to read while I’m there. I would sometimes take the book home when I can to read and learn at my comfort. While reading this book I also combined Duolingo to learn more words as I learned the rules to speaking swedish.
learn swedish with A concise swedish grammar





How Is My Swedish Today? You may ask..


 Well, I am still working on my swedish of course if I want to get closer to being fluent. I am trying to go further by actually trying to read a novel called ”Expert På Rodna by Katarina Von Bredow” that i bought at a second hand store in Södermalm. It is not easy but I do realise that I am building my vocabulary even more and understanding the way Swedes talk.If you are at the beginner/intermediate stage and would like to try reading a book, I suggest you start out with a kid’s/teenager’s level book. If you want to test your brain even more, try reading a pocket-book in a genre that you like. Don’t forget your pencil to underline phrases and jot down new words while you read. The People's Dictionary and Google Translate are awesome for translation of words and phrases while you read.
expert på rodna

tips to learn swedish





Fears While Learning the Swedish Language

 I would say my biggest fear with the langauge is to actually speak the language to people other than my boyfriend. I have this fear of messing up as I want to give full respect to the locals when I attempt to speak their language. I am working on it though.😊
  I also advice you to put what your learn into practice. Talk more and try to start or join a conversation with the little that you know. It will be for the better at the end of the day


Good Luck With Your Swedish!
Lycka Till Med Din Svenska!


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A beginners guide: teach yourself Swedish
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Thursday, 26 April 2018

15 Ways To Know That A Guy Likes You

April 26, 2018 1 Comments


 That feeling you get when something new is about to start. Or that feeling you get when you wish for something new to start. That feeling, just that feeling, when you have such a strong and deep crush on a guy. You try to do all the little things to give him the correct signal that you like him but it tends to be rather difficult with some to correctly re-read them.  

 We raise the questions to ourselves like 'Does he really like me?' 'Am I way ahead of myself?' 'Am I pushing myself in too much?' 

 Generally, I think it's a bit harder for us girls to read guys if they genuinely like us, unless that guy is very open with his emotions. Men try to maintain that image of being the Rock of Gibraltar. They like to leave us girls curious (maybe it's one of their tactic to win our hearts over). Bloody men....🙄

 Just incase you're one of those girls who are trying to figure out if your crush likes you just as much as you like him, I will list a few trait of what guys do when they like or naturally cares for a girl. Here goes....


1. He gives you his full attention when you have a conversation.

2. He maintains firm eye contact with you. 

3. He smiles when he sees you or while being in your company.

4. If you make him laugh a lot that's a bonus! 

5. His gesture towards you; e.g he holds your hand at the right moments.

6. He doesn't wait for you to text him first.

7. He randomly calls you just to hear how your day is going.

8. He plans meet-ups or dates.

9. When out together, he ensures you get home safely if he's unable to take you himself. 

10. He hugs/kisses you goodbye or hello.

11. He blushes when you compliment him. 

12. He tries to give you a happy date.

13. He makes it his duty to keep you safe.

14. Not only does he invite you out, he invites you over to his place.

15. He tries his best to remember things about you; e.g your middle name, birthday etc. 


 Each and every guy is unique hence I wouldn't be able to list all the traits of when one actually likes you. I however believe I have listed some of the main pointers. There are other things or gestures that you can or will be able to pick up on your own from your crush. As long as he's putting in the effort and tries to make it clear it would be weird you miss the signs. 

 But hey guys, I won't leave you out! Probably on my next post I will list pointers for you also to help you know if your girl crush likes you back just as much as you like her. 😎

 But until then, have a great day and don't forget to leave comments and/or share this post! 

              Good bye! ♥️




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Monday, 12 February 2018

Valentine's Day Tips For Him.

February 12, 2018 1 Comments
It's that time of the year again when couples look toward to the 14th of February. The day or red roses, chocolates, teddy bears and love ❤️

If you are one of those girls who like Valentine's Day as much as me, then you probably should check this out.

As for my personal plans this year, I am really just looking forward to a cozy day with my partner. I have already told him no gifts and I held no expectations for any, especially when he make most of my days feel like Valentine's Day.

Now for you my dearest ladies, here are some Valentines Day tip for your love:

1. The Perfect Date.
Thinking of the perfect date can be so complex than it actually is. As long as you know your partner well enough this should be somewhat of an easy fix. Try asking yourself questions like, what does he like? What does he dislike? What have he been talking about the most these past months? What does he like to do? Etc. With all these questions you can ask yourself, eventually you will come up with a great date idea!



2. The Perfect Gift.
We thought the perfect date was challenging but what about the perfect gift? Geez! How hard can this be sometimes! But the same thought as above may apply to the gif. Knowing your partner enough can help you to figure it out. Know his likes and dislikes. Most importantly you don't want to shop him something that he doesn't need or has any use for. Try to think a little out of the box. Watches and things like that are a little out dated if you ask me and I believe it is for men also. Most often that's what they think girls will shop them so that takes away the element of surprise from the gift.

3. Make A Splendid Dinner
Sometimes the pocket can be a little budgeted but you still want to make this day special. Making a fantastic dinner is one way to show and give some valentine atmosphere to your partner. Cook his favorite meal why don't you? And maybe add something a bit extra this time. Light up some candles, dim the lights, play some cozy low music in the background and let him enjoy his favorite meal you made while having a wonderful time together.

4. What To Wear On The Date
This is all your choice. It's a typical stigma that people should wear red or red and white on Valentine's Day but it is all up to your own preference. Depending on the type of date, then you might want to dress accordingly. With a simple example, if you will be watching Fifty Shades Freed then you might want to dress a bit chic or casual or semi-casual. Or if it's a dinner date at fancy restaurant then you're thinking more elegant, heels and that dashingly glorious red lipstick 😉 However, you will definitely know what goes best as to what date you'll be going on!

5. Take A Romantic Walk
You could add this as a part of the planned date or even do it separately. You get to know your partner a little more when you walk or stroll with him. Go out and have a romantic walk. Talk, smile, laugh, feel and embrace the moment!
6. Re-live Your First Date
This is something I would personally do. Why not try to bring your first date back to life? Maybe you two have memories from that special day that you can never forget or never stop talking about. Then this would be the perfect chance to re-live it once more. If your first date wasn't all that, then maybe somewhere down the line you shared a good one? Still, it is not a problem to re-live that one also.

7. Don't Expect Too Much.
The fact that you probably will be shopping your boyfriend a gift doesn't mean he necessarily will be shopping you one also. So you just might want to be a little reserved and humble on this day. Don't be regretful about getting him a gift if he didn't get you one or if your gift costs less than his. It is the thought that always counts. The fact that he is with you on Valentine's Day or even if he is miles away and still give you that Valentine's affection, that alone should give you some reassurance.

8. He Doesn't Like Valentine's Day
As disappointing as it may sound, it's no big deal. Everyone has their dislikes and is entitled to it and it is something you have to respect as his partner. There are ways in which you could work around it out of respect for him. Maybe you can give yourself a girl treat by doing a manicure or pedicure also *wink*

Since Fifty Shades Freed is trending I guess some of you will make this a Valentine's special and why not? Make this day spicy as much as you can! Just remember the champagne or wine and rose petals! ❤️

I wish you an early Happy Valentine's from me and mine to you and yours! Good luck with all!
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Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Working Too Much Can Affect Your Relationship!

February 06, 2018 0 Comments
Not only can working too much affect your relationship, it can also affect your life and your well being.




Are you that 9 to 5 person? Maybe one who works a 12 or 13 hour shift? Do you only see your partner when it's close to bedtime? Is it that you also may have difficulty seeing your partner on the weekends? Yes? Then you might want to stop for a minute, read a little more here and think.





When was the last time you got to share some quality time with your partner? If you have to think about this for more than a second, then chances are your relationship is likely to fall under. Good for you if you are one who knows how to balance both work and your relationship.






"I was one of those people who put too much emphasis on work and career and material possessions, and it took it's toll on all of my relationships, on my physical health, my emotional and mental health." -Tony Shalhoub





You happen to spend more time at work rather than more time with your partner not because work tells you to but because you chose to. You're so busy slaving one's self you don't realise the things that are happening around you or right in front of your eyes. People tend to not realise that you know more about your partner EVERYDAY and the little things he she had told you at the beginning of the relationship isn't enough for you to say "I know my partner." You could have been dating for 5 or 10 years believe me you still don't know your partner enough. Why do you think that even marriages that have been going on for a while on what seems to be a firm ground can come to an end? Of course, there will be many reasons possible to why it could end but in order to work things out with your partner, it is based on how well you know and communicate with him/her. And let me tell you, over working and spending less time with your partner does not in any way improve your communication level.





You are affecting your partner. Your partner could feel alone and wishing you were at home more often. Wishing you could wake up in the morning with him/her and not before. Maybe wanting to make a lovely dinner in the evening, light some candles and talk about one's inner self with you. But how will this happen if you're at work? 





If you do however are able to socialise with your partner on a free day, try not to talk about work too much when your life and the relationship is already 90% work. Talk about what really matters.


How many times have you both made plans but it had to be cancelled because you had to work? You might want to do this less if you don't wish for your relationship itself to be cancelled.


Restrain from bringing stress from work into the home. This is how arguments can flare up. You coming home grumpy from work because of your boss nagging you about a task deadline and your partner being stressed about you hardly being home. It happens and why wouldn't it? Try to free one's mind and not mix work with home. Moreover, don't mix work with your life.





Less work equals less stress and a better relationship! ♥
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