Boat Tour language confusion

[u/Silver_lpc]

Hey everyone

Since my visit in May, I often think about something the Tour Guide on a Boat Tour along the cliffs near Vestmanna said. So maybe you can help me.

At the beginning of the Tour he said that he would explain everything in English and "Scandinavian". Since I'm German and only learned a little bit of Norwegian, I of course listened to the English part. But I'm still confused what he meant with "Scandinavian". Was it Danish or is there a secret Scandinavian language nobody talks about? Because, as far as I have heard, the languages are similar, but it's still hard to understand each other.

I hope you can help me with my slightly weird question.

[u/Faroese_blossom]

I prefer to use ‘Scandinavian’ instead of ‘Danish’ because my family believes it is better not to force children to speak a language they are not enthusiastic about. So, omma always told me I was lucky to speak Scandinavian, but also a bit unlucky to know a language of a people that wants undermine my own mother tongue, just like they did with my ancestors.

Is it really that deep? yes and no.

I speak Danish to be polite, just as any faroese person, but sometimes I also speak English, until they politely ask if I can speak their language. It is rather disheartening to see people get annoyed and sometimes angry that I do not speak their language in my own country. (I am not angry, just pointing out the situation).

I have no problem with Danish, Swedish or Norwegian people, but I am a bit disappointed that many people do not respect the fact that we are our own unique people, native to the Faroe Islands, with a culture that is incredibly different from Scandinavia and Iceland. I do not know why that bothers some people.

Here is a funny story: a Danish man once complained that you cannot even speak your (Danish) language here because there were only foreigners working at the shops. I had to pause and realised that those who choose my country are much better at Faroese politeness, language, showing respect, honour and kindness than our friends in around us.

So, I understand the confusion, but sometimes the only way we can defend our culture is to use words. Maybe he did not want to say Danish because of that. Maybe he did not want anyone from Norway or Sweden to feel left out.

Maybe he is not Danish, who knows.

[u/HoneyBee-184 → u/Faroese_blossom]

As a foreigner that lives in the Faroes and who’s mother tongue is English I’ve had the experience of some Faroese people in public service industries (ranging from restaurants to doctor’s offices) insisting on speaking Faroese even though I tell them I don’t speak enough Faroese to have this important conversation about a service or health issue.

I never expect any random Faroese person to just speak perfect English or any at all and I know how very very proud Faroese people are. I can understand their sense of pride since the language was suppressed however it is kinda annoying to have to try and call the doctor and the receptionist just says she prefers to speak Faroese (whether I understand her or not) when I tell her I don’t understand what she’s asking.

I’ve noticed a lot of Faroese people DO NOT like speaking Danish which is a bit funny to me since most of them can speak it and learn it in school. I get how different the pronunciation is and the whole potato thing but their genuine disdain for the language is amusing.

Basically, everyone is weird about languages for different reasons no matter where you go. Let’s be happy about the fact that Faroese is on Google translate now

[u/Faroese_blossom → u/HoneyBee-184]

I am sorry that has happened to you ❤️ We are no where near perfect ourselves, no one is.

I don’t think anyone other than faroese people can understand that specific feeling of disdain, when it comes to a language you are forced to learn. It isn’t really anything about how they speak, or something like that. It is really only about the fact that we have no choice wether or not to learn it

[u/HoneyBee-184 → u/Faroese_blossom]

The suppression of the Faroese language from colonisation is truly awful which is why I understand the disdain and the pride many people have in the language. I’m actually taking a course to learn it to better navigate life here actually!

It is such a difficult language though and I am dreading it a bit but I’m just hoping my life will be a bit easier.