Anyone who's followed my writing knows I love exploring cultures beyond the surface level. After documenting everything from sunsets in Camel's Back Park to International Mother Language Day celebrations abroad, I've always believed that language is the first key to truly understanding a place. That curiosity has now led me north to Norway.
Since my last update, I've made incredible progress in my Norwegian journey on Duolingo. I've not only maintained my streak but significantly advanced through Section 2, earning new achievements and reaching impressive new milestones!
Significant Progress in Section 2!
I've made substantial progress in Section 2 of the Norwegian course! I've expanded beyond the initial units and now have vocabulary for various practical situations. My word count has nearly doubled from 212 to 374 words!
Expanding Vocabulary: 374+ Words Learned!
My vocabulary has grown dramatically to 374+ words! Here are the new words I've learned since my last update, organized by category:
Numbers & Money
Food & Dining
Clothing & Shopping
Travel & Transportation
Home & Furniture
Time & Days
Activities & Events
Descriptive Words
Verbs & Actions
Pronouns & People
Language & Learning
Useful Phrases & Expressions
Question Words
Prepositions & Connectors
Objects & Items
Practical Conversations I Can Now Have
With 374+ words, I can now handle more complex situations:
"Jeg vil gjerne bestille bord til to personer." (I would like to book a table for two people.)
"Kan jeg få menyen, vær så god?" (Can I have the menu, please?)
"Håper det smaker!" (Enjoy your meal!)
"Hvilken størrelse har du?" (What size do you have?)
"Jeg leter etter en ny genser." (I am looking for a new sweater.)
"Kan jeg betale med kreditikort?" (Can I pay with credit card?)
"Toget er forsinket." (The train is delayed.)
"Jeg trenger en tur-retur-billett til Oslo." (I need a round-trip ticket to Oslo.)
"Hvor er toalettet?" (Where is the restroom?)
"Vi bor i en moderne leilighet." (We live in a modern apartment.)
"Soverommet er komfortabelt." (The bedroom is comfortable.)
"Det er et vakkert hus." (It is a beautiful house.)
Grammar Insights
My expanded vocabulary has revealed more grammar patterns:
- Gender-specific question words: "hvilken" (masculine/feminine), "hvilket" (neuter), "hvilke" (plural)
- Modal verbs: "må" (must/have to), "kan" (can/be able to), "vil" (want to)
- Possessive pronouns: "mitt" (my/mine - neuter), "ditt" (your/yours - neuter)
- Compound words: "tur-retur-billett" (round-trip ticket), "soverom" (bedroom)
- Plural forms: Understanding more complex pluralizations beyond basic -er endings
Reflections on Learning Progress
Reaching a 53 day streak and surpassing the "Wildfire" achievement (50 days) has been incredibly rewarding. The consistency of daily practice has made Norwegian feel more natural. Moving from 212 to 374 words shows how vocabulary compounds over time - learning new words becomes easier as you recognize patterns and roots.
Progressing from Ruby to Amethyst League and earning 16085 XP demonstrates how consistent effort leads to tangible results. I'm particularly proud of reaching Level 6 and seeing my understanding of Norwegian grammar deepen.
Looking Ahead
My next goals are:
- Reach 75 day streak (next Wildfire milestone)
- Earn 20000 XP to reach "Sage" level
- Advance to Pearl League
- Continue expanding vocabulary toward 500 words
- Start practicing speaking with language exchange partners
I'm planning to supplement Duolingo with Norwegian children's books and simple news articles to improve reading comprehension and encounter vocabulary in context.