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NORWAY EXPLAINED

Five Norwegian social norms that make complete sense

Whether you've lived in Norway for some time or just decided to move to the country, it's always a good idea to (re)familiarise yourself with the widely accepted social norms- especially the ones that just make sense.

Norwegian flag house
Norway has more than a few social norms that might strike foreigners as weird. We take a closer look at those that make complete sense. Photo by op23 / Unsplash

As is the case with every other country, Norway has a particular set of social norms that most Norwegians are very familiar with.

Getting a better understanding of these norms and shared values can help international citizens moving to or living in the country make a smoother transition into Norway’s social life.

In this article, we cover some of the prevailing norms – such as making the most out of Norway’s fantastic nature and looking for solutions that benefit the collective – that make complete sense.

Spending time outdoors – regardless of the weather

Norway is well-known for its unique landscapes and untamed nature.

From its deep fjords to its glorious mountains, the country offers its inhabitants innumerable – and accessible – opportunities for hikes, long walks, camping, and enjoying the wilderness.

As the weather in Norway can be pretty fickle, most Norwegians tend to opt for a proactive approach to enjoying nature – they stock up on warm, water-resistant clothing (woollen clothes are a must!) and head into nature at every chance they get (even on rainy and windy days).

In western Norway, especially Bergen, there are two common sayings perfectly reflecting this attitude: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing” and “If you wait for nice weather, you’ll stay inside all the time.”

Weekends, in particular, are reserved for trips with friends and family to the mountains, forests, or parks – whether it’s camping, picking berries and mushrooms, barbequing or swimming, muster the courage to leave your comfort zone and the cosiness of your home, and join Norwegians in the simple pleasure of roaming the outdoors.

Obeying the rules – even if no one’s watching

Norwegians tend to share a particular type of patriotism that entails following the rules (both formal and informal) based on the shared understanding that adhering to common rules contributes to the functioning of society.

Crossing the street at a red light when there are no cars to be seen? Nope. Not paying in unsupervised venues that enable consumers to freely pick up a hot dog or coffee and pay via card? Not an option.

Norwegians believe that the system is there to protect and serve them, so they generally don’t look for a way to exploit it to their benefit. You’ll commonly hear phrases like, “Why would I try to pay less in taxes? It’s like stealing from myself.”

The entire framework is built on trust – Norwegians have extremely high levels of trust when it comes to social institutions and the political system. As Norway routinely scores at the top of lists when it comes to the happiness of its inhabitants, democratic values, and other indicators of a well-functioning society, consider buying into Norwegians’ shared values even if you’re somewhat sceptical of the model.

It’s not naivety if it works.

Putting the collective before the individual

Norway is a small but very wealthy country, and it has set up a welfare state to make sure that its inhabitants are well-protected from ending up on the fringes of society.

It has numerous systems in place that promote the quality of life among the population based on a widespread social norm of equality.

Individualism is often frowned upon, and the well-being and functioning of society as a whole are given paramount importance.

Hierarchies – especially in the workplace – tend to be more flat compared to other countries. The emphasis is on developing team players, and there is a shared belief that society and the economy can only prosper based on collective action.

So, put your altruistic foot forward, and you might just find that there are countries (and political systems) that take care of their people.

The ideals of self-sufficiency and not imposing

Norwegians place a high value on self-sufficiency and not imposing on others. This norm extends so far that it might come across as “coldness,” as Norwegians prize not disturbing other people highly – especially in public.

Minding your own business is the rule, so don’t expect a casual conversation with strangers on the bus. Foreigners are often amazed at the (pleasant) silence on public transport, the quiet and respectful way in which Norwegians queue up without people cutting the line, or the absence of car-honking in traffic.

All of these phenomena stem from the ingrained respect for others – and concern that one’s behaviour might cause discomfort to others.

Alcohol at parties

Norway has a habit of making anything it considers a vice expensive and, at times, hard to get. Nothing illustrates this approach better than alcohol.

Alcohol is costly in the country, and its sale is highly regulated. If you want to get anything stronger than a light beer, you’ll need to visit Vinmonopolet, the state-run chain of alcohol stores (in Norway, the state has a monopoly on selling drinks above the 4.75% alcohol threshold).

With that in mind, it is no surprise that the social rules surrounding alcohol at parties and get-togethers are somewhat different from what you might be used to.

First of all, people are expected to bring their own drinks to parties. Not only that, Norwegians will often take the leftover alcohol they brought home with them after the evening’s over.

In a country where a small beer in a bar will easily cost you 120 kroner, it makes sense to avoid your hosts going bankrupt trying to secure alcohol for all the guests.

Bring your own drink of choice, don’t impose on the host, and you’ll be off to a great (Norwegian) start to the party!

Pssst! Norwegians shy away from drinking on weekdays. However, they have quite a reputation for becoming party animals on the weekends – don’t be surprised to see office colleagues engage in some hard-core drinking at company events!

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NORWAY EXPLAINED

What are locals in Norway’s different regions called?

Norway boasts distinct names for its inhabitants based on their native regions and cities. From the Arctic north to the southern coastline, many parts of the nation have their own monikers.

What are locals in Norway's different regions called?

Norway, a land of rugged coastlines and shimmering fjords, is as diverse in its culture as it is in its landscapes.

Each city, town, and region holds a deep sense of identity constructed over centuries. And integral to this identity are the names by which the inhabitants are known.

These names are more than mere labels; they enclose stories, histories, and traditions, at times even allowing a sneak peek into the character of each region and city.

Join us on this enlightening journey as we traverse the numerous regions and localities of Norway, all the while unveiling the distinctive monikers associated with them and the tales they tell.

Regional designations and the tales they tell

We’re starting off in northern Norway. An inhabitant of the region is often called a Nordlending (plural form: Nordlendinger).

The name usually refers to the residents of the Arctic region of Norway and is associated with a distinct regional dialect and what is seen as warm hospitality (especially compared to the stereotype of cold and reserved Norwegians).

There is also a special name for an inhabitant of Norway’s northernmost region, Finnmark, often called Finnmarking (plural form: Finnmarkinger).

Moving on to central Norway, which is where we find Norway’s Trøndelag region, which is home to the Trønder people. The region is steeped in historical significance and is home to the ancient Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, which lends its inhabitants a deep-rooted cultural identity.

In the west of the country, known for its world-famous fjords, you’ll find people often referred to as Vestlendinger (singular form: Vestlending).

The area encompasses the big cities of Bergen and Stavanger, which also have their own local monikers (more on that later).

Inhabitants of Norway’s eastern regions, including the capital of Oslo, are called Østlendinger (singular form: Østlending). This region, being more urbanised than the Norwegian average, has a blend of contemporary Norwegian culture and ancient traditions.

Last but not least, we have southern Norway. The south coast, known for its beautiful archipelago and relatively milder climate, is home to people called Sørlendinger (singular form: Sørlending).

Often associated with a more maritime lifestyle, Sørlendinger get to cherish the summer months when the coast is most lively.

Oslo

Oslofolk (or “people of Oslo”) are usually considered quite cosmopolitan. Photo by Marleen Mulder-Wieske on Unsplash

Local identities and names

While these broader regional designations are quite common, Norway also has a rich tapestry of local identities tied to smaller regions, towns, and even specific islands.

Each (often) comes with its unique cultural nuances, dialects, and traditions.

Some of these monikers are markers of a sense of pride, local identity, and even hints of friendly rivalry.

The capital city of Norway, Oslo, is viewed by many as the heart of the country’s contemporary culture. Oslofolk (or “people of Oslo”), Oslokvinne/oslomann (literally translated into “Oslo woman” and “Oslo man”), or collectively Osloenser are usually considered quite cosmopolitan.

Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is famously known as the gateway to the fjords – but it also has a very strong reputation for boasting a strong local identity.

A Bergenser (plural form: Bergensere) will usually let you know that they’re from Bergen as soon as you meet them (or so the running joke goes), and you’ll usually be able to spot one based on the distinctive dialect, Bergensk. Similarly, people hailing from Drammen to the west of Oslo, are called Drammensere (singular form: Drammenser).

Folks from Haugesund in Rogaland have an interesting nickname: they’re called Arabs. There are a few stories about how this label came about.

One tale tells of a sailor from Haugesund who docked in the Middle East and got robbed of all his clothes. In desperation, he nabbed a local outfit hanging from a clothesline and raced back to his ship. When he tried to board, his crew didn’t recognis e him. He had to shout, “I’m not an Arab! I’m from Haugesund!”

Remembering the name for Trondheim residents is easy – as it’s the same one used for the central Trøndelag region – Trønder.

In the old Sør-Trøndelag county, you’ll find the residents of Budal, whose inhabitants often identify as a Budaling (plural form: Budalinger).

On the other hand, the designation for Stavanger residents is not that intuitive, as residents of Norway’s “oil capital” are commonly (and colloquially) called Siddis.

Siddis refers to both the local dialect and the people who proudly hail from Stavanger. The term’s first documented use traces back to a 1920s newspaper article. However, it didn’t become widely popular until about the 1950s. Most agree that Siddis likely derives from the English word “citizen”.

Initially, Siddis was used to describe someone from the heart of Stavanger, specifically within the pre-1965 city limits. Over the years, however, the term has expanded to include folks across the Stavanger municipality.

Additionally, people from Tromsø – the largest city in northern Norway – are called Tromsøværinger (single form: Tromsøværing), folks from Gamvik in Troms og Finnmark are usually referred to as a Gamviking or Gamvikværing, while an inhabitant of Fredrikstad in the Østfold region of southeastern Norway is called a Fredrikstadmann/-kvinne (plural form: Fredrikstadmenn/-kvinner).

All of these designations (and many, many more) designate more than just a one-size-fits-all group identity; they tell stories of the Norwegian regions, cities, and the people who inhabit them – and it’s well worth the effort to find out more about them if you’re lucky enough to visit (or live in) different parts of Norway.

You can find the full directory of local and regional name designations on the webpage of the Language Council of Norway.

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