Conducting an interview in a foreign language can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether you are a journalist, a researcher, or a job applicant, knowing how to conduct an interview in Norwegian can open many doors and provide valuable insights. Norwegian, with its unique syntax and pronunciation, might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and approach, you can master the art of interviewing in this Scandinavian language. In this article, we will explore various strategies, tips, and vocabulary that will help you conduct successful interviews in Norwegian.
Understanding the Basics of Norwegian
Before diving into the specifics of interviewing, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the Norwegian language. Norwegian is a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Norway. It has two official written forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is the more widely used form and is generally the one you will encounter in most formal and informal settings.
Pronunciation: Norwegian pronunciation can be tricky for English speakers. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the sounds of the language. For instance, the Norwegian letter “ø” is pronounced somewhat like the “i” in “bird,” and “å” is pronounced like the “o” in “more.” Listening to native speakers and practicing with audio resources can greatly help.
Basic Grammar: Norwegian grammar is relatively straightforward compared to other languages. Word order in a simple sentence is usually subject-verb-object (SVO), similar to English. However, Norwegian also uses definite and indefinite articles (en/ei/et) that precede the noun and change based on gender and number.
Common Phrases: Familiarize yourself with basic phrases and expressions. Here are some essential ones:
– Hvordan har du det? (How are you?)
– Hva heter du? (What is your name?)
– Kan du gjenta det? (Can you repeat that?)
– Jeg forstår ikke. (I don’t understand.)
Preparing for the Interview
Preparation is key to conducting a successful interview in any language. Here’s how you can prepare effectively for an interview in Norwegian.
Research Your Subject
Before the interview, gather as much information as possible about your subject. Whether it’s a person, a company, or a topic, understanding the context will allow you to ask more relevant and insightful questions. For instance, if you are interviewing a Norwegian author, read their books or articles and learn about their background and achievements.
Create a List of Questions
Prepare a list of questions in advance. Start with general questions and gradually move to more specific ones. Here are some examples:
– Kan du fortelle litt om deg selv? (Can you tell me a bit about yourself?)
– Hva inspirerte deg til å begynne med dette arbeidet? (What inspired you to start this work?)
– Hvilke utfordringer har du møtt på veien? (What challenges have you faced along the way?)
Make sure to phrase your questions clearly and concisely. Avoid complex structures that might be difficult to understand.
Practice Your Pronunciation
Practice pronouncing your questions and any potential follow-up questions. You can use language learning apps, online resources, or work with a native speaker to ensure your pronunciation is accurate. Mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings, so it’s essential to be as clear as possible.
Prepare for Different Scenarios
Think about different scenarios that might occur during the interview. For instance, if the interviewee speaks too quickly, you might need to ask them to slow down: “Kan du snakke litt saktere?” (Can you speak a little slower?). If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification: “Kan du forklare det på en annen måte?” (Can you explain that in another way?).
Conducting the Interview
On the day of the interview, it’s important to stay calm and focused. Here are some tips to help you conduct the interview smoothly.
Building Rapport
Start the interview with some small talk to build rapport with your interviewee. This can help both you and the interviewee feel more comfortable. You might start with a simple greeting and a few casual questions:
– Hvordan har du det i dag? (How are you today?)
– Hvordan var reisen hit? (How was your journey here?)
Building a connection can make the rest of the interview go more smoothly.
Active Listening
Active listening is crucial during the interview. Pay close attention to the interviewee’s responses and show that you are engaged by nodding and using verbal affirmations like “ja” (yes) and “jeg skjønner” (I understand). This not only makes the interviewee feel heard but also helps you pick up on important details that you can follow up on.
Using Follow-Up Questions
Be prepared to ask follow-up questions based on the interviewee’s responses. This can lead to more in-depth and insightful answers. For instance, if the interviewee mentions a specific challenge they faced, you might ask:
– Kan du fortelle mer om den utfordringen? (Can you tell me more about that challenge?)
– Hvordan overvant du den? (How did you overcome it?)
Managing the Flow of the Interview
Keep an eye on the time and make sure the interview stays on track. If the interviewee goes off on a tangent, gently steer the conversation back to the main topics. You can use transitional phrases like:
– Det er interessant, men la oss gå tilbake til… (That’s interesting, but let’s go back to…)
– Kan vi snakke mer om… (Can we talk more about…)
Handling Difficult Situations
Sometimes, you might encounter difficult situations, such as an interviewee being uncooperative or giving very brief answers. Stay calm and patient. If the interviewee is uncooperative, try to rephrase your questions or approach the topic from a different angle. If they give brief answers, use open-ended questions to encourage them to elaborate:
– Kan du utdype det? (Can you elaborate on that?)
– Hva mener du med det? (What do you mean by that?)
Post-Interview Steps
After the interview, there are several important steps to take to ensure the information you gathered is accurate and useful.
Review Your Notes
Go through your notes and make sure you have captured all the key points. If you recorded the interview, listen to the recording to fill in any gaps and verify the accuracy of your notes.
Transcribe the Interview
Transcribing the interview can be time-consuming, but it’s a valuable step, especially if you need to refer back to specific quotes or details. If you’re not confident in your Norwegian transcription skills, consider using transcription software or hiring a professional.
Follow Up
If you have any additional questions or need clarification on certain points, don’t hesitate to follow up with the interviewee. Send a polite email thanking them for their time and asking for any additional information you might need.
Reflect and Improve
Reflect on the interview and think about what went well and what could be improved. Consider asking a native speaker or a language tutor for feedback on your performance. Continuous improvement is key to becoming proficient in conducting interviews in Norwegian.
Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some additional vocabulary and phrases that can be useful during an interview:
General Phrases:
– Takk for at du tok deg tid til å snakke med meg. (Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.)
– Jeg setter pris på at du deler dette. (I appreciate you sharing this.)
– Det var veldig interessant. (That was very interesting.)
Clarification Phrases:
– Kan du forklare det nærmere? (Can you explain that in more detail?)
– Hva mener du med det? (What do you mean by that?)
– Kan du gi et eksempel? (Can you give an example?)
Encouraging Elaboration:
– Kan du fortelle mer om det? (Can you tell me more about that?)
– Hvordan følte du deg da? (How did you feel then?)
– Hva skjedde etterpå? (What happened next?)
Managing the Interview:
– La oss gå videre til neste spørsmål. (Let’s move on to the next question.)
– Vi har begrenset tid, så la oss fokusere på… (We have limited time, so let’s focus on…)
– Tilbake til det vi snakket om tidligere… (Back to what we were talking about earlier…)
Conclusion
Conducting an interview in Norwegian can be a highly rewarding experience that enhances your language skills and provides deeper insights into Norwegian culture and perspectives. By preparing thoroughly, practicing your language skills, and staying engaged during the interview, you can navigate the challenges and conduct successful interviews in Norwegian. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you engage with the language, the more confident and proficient you will become. Lykke til! (Good luck!)
