Danish

No matter which Skovsøen program you attend, you’ll be enthusiastically welcomed — in Danish! — by our friendly and knowledgeable counselors. They will help you pass through “customs,” select a Danish name to use for your time at Skovsøen, and make a personalized nametag to wear around your neck during your stay.

Whether you speak Danish almost fluently at home or if you are brand-new to this beautiful language, we will make sure you impress yourself with the leaps and bounds your skills will take while you’re here.

Our goal is to provide an environment in which you find the courage and confidence to explore Danish language and culture.  We will use gestures, repetition, songs, and games to make sure you know what to do, where to go, and what’s going on from the moment you arrive.

Youth Programs
Summer Villages, ages 7-18

Family Programs
Family Weekend

Adult Programs
Not currently offered.

Educator Programs (for all world language educators)
Master of Education in World Language Instruction
Teacher Seminars
Workshops

Brief History of the Language
Danish developed from Old Norse, which was spoken in Scandinavia. Old Norse eventually split into Old West Norse, spoken in Norway and Iceland, and Old East Norse, spoken in Sweden and Denmark. Eventually, Old East Norse evolved into the Danish that is spoken today. And believe it or not, there are many regional dialects in Denmark and its territories, although Standard Danish is the most common and what you’ll learn at Skovsøen.

While Danish is spoken mainly in Denmark, is also spoken in parts of Germany, Argentina, the United States, Canada and many other countries throughout the world. Danish also has official language status in the territories of the Faeroe Islands and Greenland, which are autonomous regions of Denmark. Danes and Danish descendents are located in every country abroad, so you can bet they have taken their language with them! 

Why learn Danish?

· Danish is useful. Did you know that more than six million people speak Danish worldwide? It’s even recognized as a protected minority language in Germany.
· Danish connects you with the past. Whether you want to explore your heritage, converse with grandma in her native tongue, or just get an insider’s view of the rich history of northern Europe, at Skovsøen, you’ll learn words, phrases, and the history and traditions of Danish-speaking people as you immerse yourself in a fun, culturally authentic learning environment.
· Danish helps you prepare for the future. Knowing more than one language is a great credential for any college application or job interview. And understanding another culture gives you an appreciation for new experiences that will last a lifetime.
· Danish is fun! From the moment you get your Danish “passport” and select your Danish name, you’ll enjoy every minute of your Skovsøen experience. New games, new foods, new friends, and tons of care and attention from knowledgeable staff make learning Danish at Skovsøen an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Did you know?
The Danish alphabet is a variation of the Latin alphabet consisting of 21 letters.  Danish is pronounced exactly as it is written, which makes it a relatively easy language to learn.

clv@cord.edu
(800) 222-4750