KlikkNorsk (CD-ROM)    Nancy Aarsvold, Louis Janus, & Margaret Hayford O'Leary

Learn Norwegian with the click of a mouse!

KlikkNorsk is an interactive CD-ROM for both Mac and Windows consisting of a Norwegian phrase-a-day calendar, and a grammar overview with exercises. It is aimed at students who are at the beginning and intermediate levels of Norwegian.  Currently it is used with third semester students of Norwegian at St. Olaf College. When you insert the CD-ROM, a web browser will open automatically. All files are provided on the CD so you do not need an Internet connection.

The program was developed by three experienced Norwegian language instructors: Nancy Aarsvold and Margaret Hayford O'Leary of St. Olaf College, and Louis Janus of the University of Minnesota. The instructions and explanations are in English so this can easily be used by people trying to learn Norwegian on their own. All phrases are pronounced by a native speaker.

REF - 2    CD-ROM    $29.95

Listen and Learn Swedish        (CD Edition)

The Listen and Learn Series of language learning is based on the phrase, or listen and repeat, methodology that focuses on phonetics and the memorization of both individual words and survival phrases. It is designed to meet the needs of people with limited study time or those planning a short visit to another country, not for the serious student who needs to know the ins and outs of grammar, parts of speech, or word order.

The contents include two CDs with 90 minutes of speech — English, and then the Swedish equivalent, and a pause for repetition —  and a 72-page manual which has a pronunciation guide and an index of words and phrases.

 REF - 18             2  CD-ROMs                  $14.95

Essential Swedish Grammar    by Julian Granberry          

Ideal as an introduction, supplement, or refresher, this logical presentation of the major aspects of Swedish grammar includes the necessary tools for speech and comprehension. It is designed for those with limited learning time who wish to acquire the basics of everyday Swedish. To that end, this grammar includes numerous shortcuts and timesavers.

 REF - 19          Paperback     $6.95

Teach Yourself Danish        by Bente Elsworth REF - 20   $29.95  Now $24.00 Book with 2 CDs

Teach Yourself Finnish        by Terttu Leney REF - 21   $29.95  Now $24.00 Book with 2 CDs

The "Teach Yourself" series has been used internationally for decades by those interested in learning other languages, 60 languages to be more precise. From Afrikaans to Zulu, this series is a market leader in language publishing, and the series is designed so the student is in control and sets the pace.
The set includes a book with two audio CDs, and the course contains: interactive dialogues; units with culture notes, grammar, and exercises; step-by-step pronunciation guides and practical vocabularies; verb tables; a bilingual glossary; and self-assessment quizzes to test progress. Best of all, the layout is clear, uncluttered, and user-friendly. It is also helpful that the set includes CDs for a better grasp of pronunciation.

Simply Runes   by Kim Farnell    

This book is the clearest and nicest one dealing with runic symbols that I have seen.  The layout and explanations of the runes clearly teach the symbols as a foreign language.

This book could fit under either Culture or Vikings, but those of us who have studied early Nordic languages or are lifelong "Kensington Runestone" advocates, realize that the Runic Alphabet was the first written, or chiseled, language to come out of the Scandinavia/Baltic area. Runes have recently gained popularity of people with no interest in interpreting old inscriptions on rocks, but rather are on a spiritual quest. This newfound curiosity is credited to an international rediscovery of the "power" of runes, making them an increasingly popular form of divination. Farnell, an expert in this field of study, now helps seekers tap into this energy. 

Categorical affiliations seen complicated, but this book presents this topic in an easy-to-follow way by using dozens of colorful charts and tables — including a Runic Calendar and Clock*— and detailing each letter of the runic alphabet by listing its origins and magical uses. From making your own runes (and a bag to protect them) to reading the ancient alphabet, from casting the runes to interpreting the spread, all the basics are laid out in a clear and superbly illustrated fashion — perfect for novices of this language.

*Rural Route Bookstore also has runic T-shirts and runic clocks. If you are interested in finding out more about the shirts or clocks, contact me and I will email a response. If your question is complicated, include your phone number in the email and I will call you.

REF - 17                      Paperback       $9.95

Norwegian Language Map        by Kristine Kershul

Travel in a foreign language, not just to a foreign country! This is the first phrasebook to appear in a map format, and will be helpful to travelers to Norway. If not you, it would make a good bon voyage gift.
It contains hundreds of words & phrases covering the basics for any trip. Split into topical sections, this easy-to-use map/language tool is laminated making it durable and weatherproof. Lighter than a dictionary and more compact than phrase books, a special lamination process allows the map to fold and unfold without tearing. (11.25" X 4.38" folded.)

REF - 22     $7.95

To get even more excited about your trip to Scandinavia, or to preview what not to miss, check out PBS host Rick Steves' DVD, Scandinavia 2000-2012. Armchair travelers will enjoy this too.

Culture Smart!             (Kuperard Series)

Sweden	Finland	Norway	Denmark
REF - 13  Paperback  $9.95	REF - 14  Paperback  $9.95	REF - 15  Paperback  $9.95	REF - 16  Paperback  $9.95

These little books, subtitled "quick guides to customs and etiquette" of different countries, provide essential information about attitudes, beliefs and behavior in these countries. Books in the Culture Smart! series are written to ensure that visitors arrive at a destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues.

These concise guides tell one what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with hosts. Contents include tips about customs, values, and traditions as well as a beginner's glimpse of various countries' history, religious, and political backgrounds.

The tips give one enough information about home and daily life, leisure and social practices, and acceptable business practices to enable one to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, make one feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and teach one how to develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.