CORONA NEW VOCABULARY

Good morning, everyone, and happy New Year once again!

As we find ourselves still in the midst of this ongoing lockdown season, it feels as though time has stood still. I understand that it’s a challenging time for us all, but let’s continue to remain strong and hold onto hope.

While we may not be able to return to our normal routines just yet, perhaps we can view this period as an opportunity to truly appreciate life and its simple joys. What do you think?

Today, I want to explore how the meaning of certain words has shifted during this time. Have you noticed it too? Words that once held positive connotations now carry a different weight in light of the pandemic.

For instance, we used to praise positivity, but now being around a “positive” person can be risky due to the potential for infection. Even something as fundamental as human touch has taken on a different meaning, as we navigate the necessity of social distancing.

Words like “quarantine,” “restrictions,” “closed,” “ambulance,” “hospital,” “vaccine,” “infected,” and “dead” have become a part of our daily vocabulary, evoking feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety.

However, amidst these challenging times, there are words that continue to offer hope and strength. While they may be familiar, let’s not overlook their significance:

“Home,” “family,” “Earth,” “savings,” “love,” “hugs,” “health,” and many more. Let’s hold onto these words, as they can serve as sources of motivation in our daily lives.

Perhaps the most important word right now is “patience.” We must remain patient as we wait for better days ahead and approach this situation with a positive mindset. Additionally, let’s not forget the importance of gratitude. Despite the difficulties, we can be grateful for what we have, including the ability to connect with loved ones through social media.

My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods due to this virus. Know that you are not alone, and I stand with you during these challenging times. Personally, I am grateful for my health, my family, and the everyday comforts that I have.

Let’s continue to hold onto hope and strive for a better future.

Good luck to each and every one of you!

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Cultural factors

Greetings everyone,

How are things going?

I decided to write this article about the significant differences between cultures because I find this subject fascinating. I am referring to those details that, according to our culture, we take for granted, while others may take them seriously or personally.

Factor 1: Today, I discovered that in Chinese culture, writing an email signifies the need to discuss a serious matter or warn someone about something. This contrasts starkly with our daily use of emails for reminders, communication, or simply to discuss everyday life.

Factor 2: I noticed that here in Norway, after a day at work, a reunion with friends, or an outing, Norwegians have the habit of saying, “Takk for i dag!” which means “Thank you for today.” For instance, we Italians do not say this, possibly because we tend to take time spent with others for granted. In contrast, Norwegians take nothing for granted and express their gratitude, a practice I have adopted myself. We should learn to appreciate such details. Similarly, after meals, Norwegians say, “Takk for maten!” which means “Thank you for the food!” This is something I have never encountered in my country, and I find it so intriguing that I am learning to say it despite it not being my habit.

Factor 3: In Spain and Latin America, I noticed that everyone calls each other “amor/tesoro/mi vida,” etc., meaning “love/honey/my life,” and many other affectionate nicknames even if they have just met. This practice starts practically from day one! It is entirely different in Italy, where we use such nicknames only when we are well-acquainted with someone. Let me remind you that I left Italy 14 years ago, and surely some things have changed since then. Perhaps they are more passionate than us.

Factor 4: We Italians hug frequently, a habit not shared here in Norway. I recall a few years ago when I went to Italy with a Norwegian friend for a wedding. I couldn’t stop greeting and hugging people because it had been a long time since I had seen them or had the opportunity to be with them. Upon returning to Norway, my friend remarked, “I had such a great time, but I have never seen so many hugs in a day!” What is normal for us is not for them, and vice versa.

Do you know more cultural differences between other countries?

The world is beautiful because of its variety!

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Norwegian style!

5 years in this beautiful country, 5 years living in a completely different culture, trying to integrate myself to this society… Norway or No way?

I read a very interesting book in May which title is The social guidebook to Norway by Julien S. Bourrelle: the funniest thing is that I was told to read it by a Brazilian friend of mine who lives in Germany, but as she has been in Norway for holidays, she bought it and since she knows I live here, she suggested for me to read it. To be honest it was the first time me hearing of such a book, even though I have been living in Norway for so long now, but anyway, I visited her and I read this book in half an hour!

Continue reading “Norwegian style!”

Big Challenge

Since I live here in Norway I met a lot of immigrants like me, that in time became friends… and who are in “the same boat” as me. With this expression I mean that we as immigrants had to integrate into the Norwegian society, we had to learn the Norwegian lifestyle, the system, the culinary culture, the traditions, the culture in general and of course the language: Norsk!

Continue reading “Big Challenge”

What is typical?

Here I am today to write a short list of typical cultural factors of the countries whose languages I speak:

I am a curious person and I always try to discover and learn new things; I can tell you that lately I have taken the B2 level Norwegian exam and one of the most popular questions is “What is typical in Norway?“, so then I asked myself: “And what about Italy, Spain, Latin America, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, Portugal and Brazil?“. So I have been asking all my friends who belong to these cultures and I found out that (I chose the most important 5 typical things):

Continue reading “What is typical?”