INDEX
1.1 The multiple uses of takk 1.2 Meeting and greeting – and sweet, sweet goodbyes 1.3 Asking for something 1.4 Apologising 1.5 VÌr sü god!
Chapter 1
Politeness in a blunt country !
a Takk skal du h
Nei takk!
Ja takk!
t!
is Takk for s
Takk for i dag!
Takk for meg!
Foreigners living in Norway have been known to remark that there's no point trying to be polite in this country, since Norwegians are inherently rude and don't appreciate formality or, heaven forbid, gallantry. However, while it is true that Norwegians tend to be matter-offact, almost to the extent of it being a natural default, this doesn't mean there aren't any ways of being polite, or that politeness would go unappreciated. 6