10 YouTube clips about Swedishness

Swedishness is a broad concept. Social codes take years to master, some say. So as your introduction to all things Swedish, here are 10 YouTube videos.

#1

Swedishness

In Sweden, the same rules apply to everyone. Check out former prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt’s cameo at 1:45 – he actually has the nerve to dodge the very important task of emptying the dishwasher at work!
 

#2

Will Ferrell Explains a Christmas Tradition

An American instructing an Englishman in the art of singing Sweden’s most popular aquavit song. How could this one not be a hit?
 

#3

10 Swedish Words You Won’t Find in English

The Swedish language boasts some impressive verbs and adjectives that get to the point quickly

 

#4

Surströmming! You Asked, We Delivered

In many cultures, eating rotten stuff is considered barbarian. Not in Sweden, where fermented herring is a delicacy.

 

#5

Like a Swede

In gender-egalitarian Sweden, men can have it all. Enough said.
 
https://vimeo.com/84733222 
 

#6

10 Good Things to Know About Sweden

An accurate and informative little film, which explains the etymology behind ‘lagom’ among other things. Take this film with a pinch of salt – the average Swede is not quite as dull as portrayed here.
 
 
 

#7

Swedish Midsummer for Dummies

Okay, we’re blowing our own trumpet a bit here. We actually made this film. But nothing is more Swedish than Midsummer.

 

#8

A Classic Swedish Date

Englishman Big Steve has thoroughly grasped the art of dating, Swedish style. Right??
 

#9

How Sweden became a multi-winning nation of Eurovision Song Contest

A mockumentary about the transformation of Sweden from Nerd Nation to Eurovision winner, thanks to 6 wins in 41 years.

#10

Meatball Massacre

Whoever thought making meatballs, the most Swedish of foods, could be this macho? Pardon the presenter’s foul language.


Comentaris

Publica un comentari a l'entrada

Entrades populars d'aquest blog

The National Day of Sweden

Imatge
Swedes celebrate their National Day on 6 June in honour of two historical events: Gustav Vasa being elected king (6 June 1523) and the adoption of a new constitution (6 June 1809). This day offers a rare chance to see Swedes waving the flag. Celebration with the Royal Family Every year, the King and Queen of Sweden take part in a ceremony at Skansen, Stockholm’s open-air museum, where the yellow and blue Swedish flag is run up the mast, and children in traditional peasant costume present the royal couple with bouquets of summer flowers. These days, special ceremonies welcoming new Swedish citizens are held around the country on National Day. The last time people in general took an active interest in Sweden as a nation-state was at the turn of the century, around 1900, when national-romantic winds were blowing through the country and folklore societies and local history museums were established. It was then that 6 June first became a day of ce...
Més informació

Gender equality in Sweden

Imatge
Gender equality is one of the cornerstones of Swedish society. The aim of Sweden’s gender equality policies is to ensure that everyone enjoys the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all areas of life. The Swedish approach to gender equality The overarching principle is that everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to work and support themselves, to balance career and family life, and to live without the fear of abuse or violence. Gender equality implies not only equal distribution between men and women in all domains of society. It is also about the qualitative aspects, ensuring that the knowledge and experience of both men and women are used to promote progress in all aspects of society. The annual Global Gender Gap Report , introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006, measures equality in the areas of economics, politics, education and health. Since the report’s inception, Sweden has never finished lower than fifth i...
Més informació

Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA

Imatge
Swede Ingvar Kamprad began with two empty hands to become one of the richest people in the world – as the founding owner of furniture chain store IKEA. Here’s his story, from farm life to flat-packs.   Rural childhood Ingvar Feodor Kamprad was born on 30 March 1926, on a small farm called Elmtaryd near the village of Agunnaryd, in the Swedish province of Småland. To most present-day Swedes, the date and the names, in a famously rural region, resound of harsher times, when Sweden was agrarian and poor. They speak of hard work, frugality and egalitarianism rooted in shared poverty – values which would eventually enter the IKEA ethos. Humble beginnings Kamprad began his career at the age of six, selling matches. When just ten, he criss-crossed the neighbourhood on his bicycle, selling Christmas decorations, fish and pencils. At 17, in 1943, Kamprad’s father rewarded him with a small sum of money for doing well in school,...
Més informació