Learning Swedish Beyond the Classroom

I am a visiting researcher at Lund University this year, with support from the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Fellowship. My research focus is informal language learning, and I am using this year to interview ten participants about their experiences learning Swedish beyond the classrom.

This research forms part of my research for my doctoral studies at the University of Basque Country. I am very grateful to ASF for the finanical support, and to Lund University for the affiliation (and support that goes along with it).

This project examines the experiences of English-speaking participants who are learning

Swedish on their own while residing in Sweden. You have been invited to participate because

you have identified yourself as an English-speaking adult who is trying to learn (at least some)

Swedish.

The research focuses on how adult participants (over 20 years of age) develop and implement

strategies to improve their Swedish language skills outside of a traditional classroom setting and

without the guidance of formal instruction. The study seeks to better understand the successes,

challenges, emotional experiences, and learning strategies that these learners employ as they

navigate an immersive language environment.

The results of this research will be used to develop a supportive framework for Swedish

language education that promotes independent learning, addresses the specific challenges

faced by adult learners, and provides practical recommendations for language programs,

teachers, and learners. Ultimately, the study aims to improve the overall experience for language

learners by offering new insights into the complexities and rewards of self-directed language

learning.