![](https://www.elinornauen.com/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaHBBM051QVE9PSIsImV4cCI6bnVsbCwicHVyIjoiYmxvYl9pZCJ9fQ==--7bdca1c68f49a5a51b0f8ce6999ed927cce131d7/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsibWVzc2FnZSI6IkJBaDdCem9MWm05eWJXRjBTU0lJYW5CbkJqb0dSVlE2RkhKbGMybDZaVjkwYjE5c2FXMXBkRnNIYVFMZ0FXa0M0QUU9IiwiZXhwIjpudWxsLCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--d00c0b801be2eac628730b2b4ffb891cbdd69dfe/I_climb_a_fjell.jpg)
I climbed a mountain, bought a lue (watch cap) AND spoke Norwegian
It was thrilling to actually speak Norwegian. I was happy that I felt little hesitation in trying. The reactions:
* An immediate switch to English. This was usually in a situation where the person didn't have time or interest in a slow conversation, such as in a restaurant.
* A surprised expression. You speak Norwegian? often followed by: WHY? From a utilitarian point of view there's no reason: I didn't mean anyone who didn't have serviceable or better English. I would say because I fell in love with your language, which didn't change their minds but made them happy, I think.
* No reaction, just a response to whatever I had asked. Whenever that happened, which it did fairly often, I was gratified.
Duolingo gave me grammar & vocabulary, Pimsleur the confidence to open my mouth. My wonderful friends there were patient, helpful & spoke slowly enough that I could manage.
Now I have to figure out how to keep having conversations in the States.
* An immediate switch to English. This was usually in a situation where the person didn't have time or interest in a slow conversation, such as in a restaurant.
* A surprised expression. You speak Norwegian? often followed by: WHY? From a utilitarian point of view there's no reason: I didn't mean anyone who didn't have serviceable or better English. I would say because I fell in love with your language, which didn't change their minds but made them happy, I think.
* No reaction, just a response to whatever I had asked. Whenever that happened, which it did fairly often, I was gratified.
Duolingo gave me grammar & vocabulary, Pimsleur the confidence to open my mouth. My wonderful friends there were patient, helpful & spoke slowly enough that I could manage.
Now I have to figure out how to keep having conversations in the States.