Multilingualism in Nordic Cooperation — a View from the Margin

Abstract

The Nordic area is often seen as culturally and politically quite homogeneous, not only from the outside but also by the Nordic people themselves. Democratic traditions, Lutheran ethics, avoidance of extremes, and close relationship with nature are all attributes associated with us. Of course we vie for victory in ice hockey or Nordic skiing, consider some of the traditional foods of our neighbours disgusting, and tell jokes where Finns put down Swedes or Norwegians make fun of Finns, but nevertheless support many joint activities and stick together in the crowd of nationalities in the larger international arena.