The right and wrong way to ask for something, or to ask permission, in English.

The English Toolbox

Making Polite Requests in English

Let's figure out if lynx can lift a car...

Everything Zenified 

Can a Lynx Lift a Car 

This is a reimagining of The Ugly Duckling by the great Danish author H.C. Andersen, set in a Norwegian context.

The Ugly Kitten

An incredible story about none other than Lou the Lynx, the feline rocker who's taken the world by storm. 

What If A Lynx was A Rock Star 

We delve into the intricate and often humorous interplay between these two neighboring cultures – Norway and Sweden. Much like Newton's laws of thermodynamics, the principles of conversation dynamics between Norwegians and Swedes can be observed and understood through a few key laws:

First Law: The Law of Politeness Conservation
In any conversation between a Norwegian and a Swede, politeness is neither created nor destroyed but merely transferred. Each party carefully navigates the exchange, ensuring that respect and civility remain balanced and intact.

Second Law: The Principle of Understatement Equilibrium
Understatements in Norwegian-Swedish dialogue tend to seek equilibrium. When one party downplays an event or achievement, the other instinctively matches this tone, creating a harmonious balance of modesty and humor.

Third Law: The Entropy of Misunderstandings
As the complexity of conversation increases, so does the potential for misunderstandings. These are often caused by the subtle nuances and cultural references unique to each nation. Yet, this entropy is often countered by the shared history and mutual respect between Norwegians and Swedes, leading to resolution and clarity.

Join us as we explore these dynamics and uncover the fascinating, and often understated, art of Norwegian-Swedish communication.

The Dynamics of Scandinavian Communication – Understatements 

A fascinating tale that I think many of you will find both surprising and inspiring. Imagine owning a stunning purple Lamborghini, the epitome of luxury and speed. Now, imagine trading that in for something far less extravagant—a simple city bike, Oslo city bike. What would drive someone to make such a drastic change? Let's hear that from Jason Morgan aka. No-crown...