This work is an in-depth look at many aspects of contemporary Swedish customs and culture that ties today's nation to an understanding of its history. Culture and Customs of Sweden is an ideal introduction to this fascinating nation. The book opens with a broad overview of the country and then examines specific themes such as religion, marriage, family, gender issues, education, holidays, popular customs, sports and leisure, media, literature, performing arts, art, and architecture. Throughout, the author seeks to strike a balance between the history of these many aspects of contemporary Sweden and what is happening there today—at a time when Sweden is undergoing many profound changes. For example, the chapter on literature looks at both the development of Swedish literature since the Middle Ages and at current interests, themes, and writers. Each of the themes covered is central to introducing both Sweden's past and its present, facilitating the kind of understanding that is so important in this ever-shrinking world.

Provides information on attitudes and values ; historical and political background ; religion, customs, and traditions ; the Swedes at home ; leisure, social, and cultural life ; do's, don'ts, and taboos ; body language ; hospitality, food and drink ; giving and receiving gifts ; business briefing ; and language and communication.

Looks at the social life, customs, and national characteristics of Sweden, including coverage of such topics as values, attitudes, religion, family, food, language, and social relationships.

Is there a distinctly Swedish national character? Are Swedes truly shy, unemotional, conflict-avoiding, melancholy, and dour? Swedish Mentality, the English translation of the hugely successful book published in Sweden in 1989, considers the reality behind the myth. The author, Åke Daun, is a respected ethnologist who is sometimes referred to as the "guru" of Swedish character. In recent years, it has become popular to discuss Swedishness and Swedish identity. The advent of the European Union and the increasing presence of immigrant refugees in Sweden have fueled public debate on the distinctiveness of Swedish culture. Daun, however, goes beyond stereotype, drawing upon statistics gathered over more than a decade of research. The result is an entertaining and engagingly written book. Throughout, Daun quotes from interviews with native Swedes and immigrants as well as from travel accounts, folklore, and proverbs. We learn why some Swedes might prefer to walk up a flight of stairs rather than share an elevator with a neighbor and why some gain satisfaction from walking alone in the woods or going fishing. Daun describes a range of factors influencing Swedish character, including population composition, rural background, and even climate. He recognizes behavioral variations related to gender, age, class, and region, and he considers subtleties of individual character as well. Swedish Mentality should interest a wide array of readers, whether of Swedish descent or not.

The food cultures of Scandinavian countries are similar in important ways but also have many different traditions because of variations in geography and climate and unique social, cultural and political history. Food Culture in Scandinavia covers Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland's unique and common foodways, all in the context of significant recent changes. This is the most exhaustive overview available in English with all the latest insight. Students writing country reports and food mavens get the up-to-date scoop from an insider on how Scandinavians eat and live. Readers see how everyday food habits are quickly changing in Scandinavia, mostly in urban areas and among the younger generation. The trends are shown to stem from Scandinavians travelling more, Americanization and globalization, new immigrants bringing their cuisines, classic national and regional products being revitalized, high-end restaurants for the new business elite springing up, and a growing interest in healthful and organic food. The Historical Overview chapter lays the groundwork to understand the evolution from the traditional Scandinavian fare—fish, porridge, bread, milk. A chapter on major foods and ingredients elaborates on these staples and more and updates their use. In the Cooking chapter, the new gender dynamics are discussed in terms of who is shopping and cooking and especially the impact of the supermarket. Typical Meals discusses the mainstays for daily fare and notes the biggest changes in the choices of pizza and fast food for youth. Eating out in Scandinavia is becoming more common, and Chapter 5 highlights the growing options for casual family meals out, business and school lunches, as well as take-out food and more. The Special Occasions chapter illuminates the major events in the calendar, especially the magical Christmas time plus the famous seasonal fests such as Midsummer in Sweden and life-cycle events such as weddings, where innovation is expected. A final chapter on diet and health emphasizes the familiar health concerns related to diets too high in fat and sugar and too low in vegetables and fruit. A timeline, selected bibliography, illustrations, and classic recipes complement the narrative.

The Handbook provides a broad introduction to Swedish politics, and how Sweden's political system and policies have evolved over the past few decades.

Are you trying to learn Swedish - but can't find the right reading material? We understand how difficult it is to find Swedish learning material. Finding the right teacher, books or even peers to study with can be incredibly difficult, and we've been there before. There is a demand... but not enough supply. It can get frustrating. Which is why we've created Swedish Short Stories for Beginners, a book made to ensure that young and old students at the entry level of learning can take advantage of a valuable opportunity in learning the Swedish tongue. Twenty easy-to-read, entertaining and interesting stories await inside, along with the best tools to help you practice once you're done reading each tale. Our book will ensure you not only can read something that will expand your knowledge on Swedish, but that you will understand and be able to pick it apart piece by piece in your quest for learning. How Swedish Short Stories for Beginners works: - Each story will contain an important lesson of the tools and skills needed to learn the Swedish language (nouns, pronouns, future tense, traveling terms, and more), involving an interesting and entertaining story with realistic dialogues and day-to-day situations. - The summaries follow: a synopsis in Swedish and in English of what you just read, both to review the lesson and for you to see if you understood what the tale was about. - At the end of those summaries, you'll be provided with a list of the most relevant vocabulary involved in the lesson, as well as slang and sayings that you may not have understood at first glance! - Finally, you'll be provided with a set of tricky questions in Swedish, providing you with the chance to prove that you learned something in the story. Don't worry if you don't know the answer to any - we will provide them immediately after, but no cheating! Do you think you can handle it? If the answer is yes, then you're definitely on your way to becoming a fluent Swedish speaker, and we'll certainly make that dream come true! So look no further! Pick up your copy of Swedish Short Stories for Beginners and start learning Swedish right now!

Highlights the unique character and behavior of the nation. Frank, irreverent, funny--almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.

"This is the bible for anyone being transferred to Sweden!" - Magnus Moliteus, Executive Director, Invest in Sweden Agency Modern-Day Vikings provides a window into what one world traveler called the most American of European countries: Sweden. Yet, surface similarities between the two nations conceal essential differences. Christina Robinowitz and Lisa Werner Carr provide insights and strategies for successful interactions with Swedes, whether business or social. True to its title, Modern-Day Vikings traces some of Sweden's most ingrained cultural traits back to its Viking heritage: self-sufficiency, fairness, egalitarianism and democracy. The authors also examine Sweden's famous "cradle-to-grave" social model and explore the values underlying modern Swedish culture, such as lagom (moderation), the law of Jante (personal modesty), communication styles and business practices.

The essential companion to a Swedish dinner party: Everything you need to know to navigate safely through social functions in Sweden or Swedish America. Customs and traditions change over time but there are some things you should know if you ever plan to join a Swedish dinner party. Singer or not, these are occasions when ev-eryone makes his or her voice heard. When, what, who, how and why-to toast, to sing and to truly blend in. This book introduces you to the Swedish custom of singing at the table; the do's and don'ts, the unspoken rules and practical advice along with close to 100 songs in English and Swedish.