By Hannu Arvio
When learning a new language, how one starts is very important. A solid foundation ensures better results in the future.
Languages are living, dynamic and hugely complex constructs, which makes them extremely difficult to master in their entirety. We can never consider ourselves to have learned a language completely, but we can feel more or less comfortable using it and come very close to complete fluency, even in a language that is not our own.
But to do that, you have to start well and progress steadily.
At Institut Nòrdic, our A1 beginner courses in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish and Icelandic are the foundation for everything that comes after. We build a solid foundation from the very first minute, leaving fewer doubts and mistakes to clear up in the future.
Our courses are comprehensive and provide enough hours and time to assimilate all the content without leaving anything behind, because if something is left unlearned, it will be noticed later on.
Between classes, homework, tests, essays, assignments and the student’s own learning, Institut Nòrdic’s courses have extensive content but are suitable for a good start, completing the entire A1 level (according to the CEFR).
The syllabus for the A1 courses we teach at Institut Nòrdic is similar across languages, but in this article, we will use Norwegian as an example.
Learners study the first 9 chapters of the book På vei, and the syllabus includes:
Communication skills
- Introducing yourself and talking about yourself, asking for basic information.
- Talking about the day and the weather.
- Shopping in shops and ordering in a restaurant.
- Planning free time and trips.
- Giving and asking for directions.
- Talking about and asking about family.
- Reading and writing emails.
- Reading informative texts.
Vocabulary
- Approximately 1,500 words and expressions.
- Basic vocabulary for everyday life, family, home, work, travel and leisure, shopping, numbers, times and dates.
Grammar
- Pronunciation and alphabet.
- Prepositions and pronouns. Genitive.
- Conjunctions and connectors.
- Nouns (definite/indefinite form).
- Adjectives and adverbs.
- Simple and subordinate clauses; use of inversion.
- Verb conjugation in the present, past, future and imperative tenses. Auxiliary verbs.
Cultural knowledge
- Basic information about history, economy, society and work in Norway
- Travel within Norway and territorial organisation.
In addition, there are tests at the end of each chapter, as well as essays, conversations, videos, reading and listening comprehension exercises, presentations, and assignments.
The standard course consists of 32 sessions of 1 hour 45 minutes each with a teacher who, in addition to explaining the language, gives feedback, corrects, clarifies, evaluates and disseminates the culture. And behind the teacher is a proven methodology, certification and organisation from Institut Nòrdic.
During an A1 course, you will learn everything you need to move on to the next level without leaving anything important behind. If you have a solid foundation, there is no need to start over again.
