Customer Reviews

Norwegian Complete Course (Teach Yourself Norwegian)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is perfect for anyone interested in acquiring a basic knowledge of the Norwegian language for any reason. Indeed, it is sometimes too easy. I combined it with an earlier (1965) edition of the book, which is pure grammar and memorization, so it was perfect: on one hand I could get all the dry grammar and the "bokmål/nynorsk" situation explained to the bone by Professor Sommerfelt, and on the other hand Margaretha Danbolt was there for me with dialogues and smooth grammar understandable to everyone. DEFINITELY get the version with the tapes. There is just no replacement to hearing native speakers, no matter how good you're at written guides to pronunciation. It's a must, otherwise you just won't be understood, especially since Norwegian is a tonal language (though there are only 2 tones). Norwegian is an especially "easy" language for English speakers. I have previous background in other languages (my mother tongue is Spanish), so maybe a first-time experience would not be as easy for everyone, but I can guarantee this book makes it very fun and simple to those genuinely interested in Norwegian. The text follows the story of Bente and John, which, I think, makes it more lively. I haven't finished this, I'm far from finishing actually, but my Norwegian is growing every day through extra practice from many different sources, and I'm very content. The organization of the book is usually satisfying, though I had expected the guide to pronunciation to be covered entirely in the tapes before beginning the course. Instead, after a dialogue or set of dialogues, a portion is covered; then you hear more, then another portion of the guide to pronunciation is covered. This is perfect for those who like to encounter problems and THEN get an explanation. That was the only thing in the organization that I thought was tricky, but I got used to it, and it doesn't last through the entire course. The tapes are absolutely excellent, but the practice exercises tend to be too simple for me. You may want to consider combining this book with something else, such as a dictionary, because it only has a word list at the end. There are Norwegian newspapers all over the web (www.aftenposten.no being my favorite) that can help you practice also. The book is very clear, very well-organized and informative, and to the complete novice in studying another language, it's IT. But for those of us who perhaps have more background, obtaining a little dictionary or another supplement, such an earlier version of the book, could make it more challenging. (It also depends on your goal: I want to be as fluent as possible.) Either way, the book and the tapes are worth every penny. You just couldn't make a better language investment.

This is a great book for those enthused about learning Norwegian. Though I did not get the tapes, this book reads through very easily and quickly. You should buy the book instead of borrowing it from the library, like me. The tapes should help out a lot, but I've found that the pronounciation is easy in general. If you are interested in Danish, don't go for it. I've found Norwegian pronounciation to be easier, and Danish just doesn't sound very good.

The book is good but what makes this really unique is the cassettes because you listen to Bente and John and Kari having these entertaining conversations in Norwegian. They speak clearly so you can imitate the words and pick up fast, and follow along in the book. The book starts you off with learning the always tough Norwegian vowels and you go from there, with the help of Bente and John. Tusen takk, ha det!

For anyone who is considering the Norwegian language as a hobby (like I am) or for more useful purposes, then I'd suggest getting this book. The dialogues tell the story of an Englishman named John and a Norwegian girl named Bente. There are also excercises and very grammatical points. It's not too extreme in both, so it mixes the two. Since Norwegian is a "tonal" language (not to the extent of Chinese) like Swedish, I'd really suggest buying the version with the tapes. And if you're interested in Scandinavian languages, but not any in particular, then Norwegian is the way to go. It's close to Danish and Swedish.

I think this book is a nust if wanting to learn the Norwegian language! This book got me started since the first time I opened it. It allows you to learn quickly and easily. Also the grammatik is thoroughly explained, to allow faster learning. I picked up this book so when i go to Norway to get the Black Metal band started, I could communicate. Well now I am ready to do so! GET IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a little more than half way through this course (I have the book and tapes) and love it. It was a little slow getting started, but I'm sure that's true when learning any new language. With repetition -- both the book and tapes -- you'll soon be feeling much more confident. In fact, as I progress to the later lessons I find that I'm understanding so much more without having to look at the word definitions. If you want to learn Norwegian, and it's a great language, this is a great place to start. In addition, I bought the "Norwegian in 10 Minutes a Day" book and find that really helps as well. Someone else suggested reading Norwegian newspapers online ... and I agree that's a great idea since you see the language as it's actually used, rather than the "canned" dialogues you find in any language book. I really do recommend "Teach Yourself Norwegian". You won't be disappointed.

This book is much better than "Klar for Norge," the series they use here in Norway for teaching Norwegian to foreigners. It has a interesting plot, which is unusual in a language text and very helpful for making you stick to your lessons. The grammar is explained clearly and in a logical order. In all, it is an excellent book. Of course, it suffers the same problem of any Norwegian book -- nobody talks like that -- the dialects here are very strange. However, this book will get you off to a good start.

This is a very good book for learning Norwegian. It moves at a good pace. The exercises are simple, but challenging. I am just a little more than halfway through the book at this time and I am now starting to think in Norwegian and make sentences of my own. If you move at your own pace and develop a system of study for that you like I think this book will be helpful to you.

If you want to learn Norwegian this is an excellent start. The book fully covers all the basic grammar patterns, introduces you to the Norwegian costumes and is endowed with a very good set of exercises. A tape is also provided to help you with the pronunciation. Moreover, it is structured like a story which involves you till the end of the book. I suggest you buy a dictionary too.

Excellent choice if you're first getting started. Information is presented well, exercises are just hard enough to challenge you but not discouraging.