For a second year, a Norwegian language and culture camp was held June 11-15 in western Washington state. Designed for adults, Solheim Nordvest offers both formal and informal language learning opportunities for speakers ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Intense Norwegian language instruction occurs twice daily and is further enhanced by use of the Norwegian language during a variety of activities throughout the day.
From the moment I stepped into the camp environment at the picturesque Anderson Lodge, I primarily communicated with staff
and other participants in Norwegian. Although I did not identify myself as a “kjempenorsk” speaker, it was an option to commit to speaking only Norwegian each day. I could see that I was in the right place surrounded by people who had a desire to meaningfully interact through Norwegian, my heritage language.
The daily schedule was framed by a wide variety of large and small group, culturally-relevant activities. Mealtimes brought us together to feast on traditional foods, such as lefse and brunost. Interspersed were opportunities to sing in Norwegian, to view and discuss videos involving topics, such as dialects and the making of gammelost. Outdoor activities, including hiking on trails in the surrounding woods and playing the outdoor Scandinavian game, kubb, were other options. In addition, presentations on topics, such as the history of Norway during World War II, as well as the interconnections between the political history of Norway and the evolving view of trolls, were provided. Methods for using AI in Norwegian-language learning were covered in another session. Some participants chose to work together in creating a 29-layer kransekake. The kransekake became part of the final evening banquet, a time to celebrate the Norwegian-language community we had created during our time together.
So what did I bring home with me from Solheim Nordvest? More self-confidence in my ability to communicate in Norwegian. New friendships. A Norwegian songbook. A Norwegian mystery book. (Think påskekrim). A Norwegian flag pin. A sense of the generosity of the many people who contributed to making this experience possible. Would I do it again next year? Absolutely. Planning is underway for a third session of Solheim Nordvest in 2027. Erik Brakstad is leading this effort. (
