Cultural musings

“Jeg komma fra U.S.A.”

I come from the USA, one the key phrases I’ve had to learn in the past few weeks of Danish class.  Actually, it’s one of the only phrases I can say fairly well in Danish, and I suppose that’s a good thing.  But here nearly everyone speaks English very well, and it’s considered “cool” to imitate American language.

Which brings me to something I’ve neglected to mention in my blog…and one of the funniest things to happen over the past several weeks:  FIFTY NIFTY.

One night at dinner, my host family and I were talking about regional differences between the states.  They asked how many states we had and there was a little debate over 50 or 51.  I brought up a song that most all American school kids learn to remember the states, “Fifty Nifty.” I sang it once or twice, and then they just had to find it on YouTube.  Caroline was SO excited about this new American song and proceeded to learn it in about 24 hours.  Over the next week, all we heard was “Fifty Nifty.”  I’ve never been so American.  And then, there was the geography…

Once the song was learned, it was time to learn how to point to each of the states in tune to the music.  Somehow Caroline again learned them all in just over 24 hours.  Incredible.  I can assure you that I would not be able to do that with Danish towns (no states here).  Who knew that a song typically sung by 10 year olds would take so well in Denmark!  Nathalie then picked it up and ohhhmyyyygooooossshhhh we’ve heard fifty nifty probably over 50 times. 

I digress.  Regardless of our language, we have so many cultural similarities.  Once again, post dinner conversations have been so enlightening.  We confessed to one another what DIS had warned us about regarding our differences in language, manners of speech, nudity (!), and humor.  But neither one of us has encountered any problems in these areas!  They may be true in rare and extreme cases, but generally I feel very at home here and they enjoy getting to know another family member, albeit a temporary one.

Last night the topic was Danish Jante Law. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jante_Law gives the “10 commandments” of this unwritten law, but it is really not so harsh in contemporary Danish thinking (if it is remembered at all).  Generally, janteloven refers to a humble state of mind.  It puts everyone on an equal level and unifies playing ground.  Similar to their somewhat socialist society, janteloven brings the Danes closer together as one, while simultaneously making them more homogenous.  There is a strong level of national pride here, but in a very humble way.  Take the Carlsberg slogan, “Probably the best beer in the world.”  It would be so much easier to just confidently state that it IS the best beer, but Danish culture humbles it down to “probably.” 

Beer aside, I really like this mindset.  I like the equality; I like the fact that it neutralizes everyone.  Like mom always said, there will always be someone better than you and someone worse than you.  Janteloven indirectly champions this. 

Further proof that Mom’s are always right, even halfway around the world.

 

 

**Sidenote…I’m going to Berlin next weekend!  And hopefully Ireland soon!  CAN’T WAIT!**