Teach Yourself Norwegian: (Teach Yourself Complete Courses)

If you want to progress quickly from the basics to understanding, speaking and writing Norwegian with confidence, then Teach Yourself Norwegian is the course for you. Although aimed at those with no previous knowledge, it is equally suitable for anyone wishing to brush up existing knowledge for a holiday or business trip. Key structures and vocabulary are introduced in 16 thematic units progressing from introducing yourself and dealing with everyday situations to writing a letter and making a complaint. In the later units you will become familiar with many aspects of Norwegian life as well as the language. The emphasis is on communication throughout with important language structures introduced through dialogues on the accompanying recording. The course is centred around two main characters: an English student, John, and a Norwegian girl, Bente. You will follow them through their ups and downs in a variety of situations during a year in Norway. There are plenty of exercises to practise the language as it is introduced and tips throughout to help with grammar. Cultural information tips give useful advice and information for anyone planning a trip to Norway. Teach Yourself Norwegian is written in Bokm l. Bokm l is the standard Norwegian language, used by approximately 85% of Norwegians. It has developed from Dano-Norwegian, which originated during the 400 or so years when Norway was part of Denmark. The new edition retains the tried-and-tested structure of the lessons but has been updated to include a brand new double CD of the audio material. Popular features of the previous edition have been retained: - an English-Norwegian vocabulary, - a glossary of grammatical terms, - a taking it further section directing you to further sources of real Norwegian. The book (ISBN 978 0 340 88755 4) is available separately or in a pack with the CDs (978 0 340 88756 1).

About the Author :
Margaretha Danbolt Simons is Norwegian, but has lived in England for many years. She has been teaching at the University of Surrey for the last ten years. Her course, Norwegian ab initio, which is part of the MA/Diploma in Translation Studies, attracts 15-20 students per year. She uses her own book 'Teach yourself Norwegian' as her textbook and main teaching aid. Other subjects she teaches at the University of Surrey are Medical and Literary translation, English into Norwegian, and an introductory course of Interpreting. She runs two Norwegian classes at the Guildford Adult Education Centre, one for beginners and one intermediate, and also teaches on a one-to-one basis. Students include diplomats and businesspeople. Recent translation work includes Ibsen's "Ghosts" for BBC Radio.