I don't fit in

[AnonymBruker]

I'm Spanish and I don't fit in with the norwegian people, I recently arrived here in Oslo (2 eeks ago) but it is really hard for me to get to know someone. As soon as they hear me speak english I feel this tension in the group and eventually I just go away. I will try to learn Norwegian of course, but I want at least one friend or so in the beginning. Im starting to feel rather lonely. What are some ways to gain Norwegian friends here?

Anonymous poster hash: 287d3...233

[AnonymBruker]

Go to a bar, Join a club, or just meet the right person no the street. Talk to people, like you do, and suddenly one will talk back.

Anonymous poster hash: a5450...174

[AnonymBruker]

If you ever come to bergen,`just let me know

I`d like a spanish friend

Anonymous poster hash: 2f692...cb6

[AnonymBruker]

Do you work or study? Norwegians are shy and often hate to speak english (unless they are drunk).

Anonymous poster hash: acf23...a60

[AnonymBruker]

We just had fatherweek and whenever I start talking (in english) they start to distance themselves. Is it uncomfortable for people to talk in english here? During the fatherweek parties it also went sour, i even tried speaking with some girls but the conversations never lasted any more than 2-3 mins before they just left.

Anonymous poster hash: e77b1...1b4

[AnonymBruker]

We just had fatherweek and whenever I start talking (in english) they start to distance themselves. Is it uncomfortable for people to talk in english here? During the fatherweek parties it also went sour, i even tried speaking with some girls but the conversations never lasted any more than 2-3 mins before they just left.

Anonymous poster hash: e77b1...1b4

Yes, it's kinda uncomfortable for many of us to speak english. We're unsure of ourselfes and don't want to say the wrong thing in fear of sounding stupid. We're afraid of building the sentence wrong, you know? It's just akward! Learn norwegian as quikly as possible. Go to a bar and try to get to know somebody there

Anonymous poster hash: 87c46...2e8

[AnonymBruker]

If you ever come to bergen,`just let me know

I`d like a spanish friend

Anonymous poster hash: 2f692...cb6

Dette var garantert en mann som svarte :D

Anonymous poster hash: 4fec5...1ee

[Catbert]

Join a choir or go to dancing class :-)

[Gjest brutal_mann]

Welcome to Norway! It's just the way it is...

[Alina X]

First of all,try to engage yourself in activities where spaninsh spoken people will attend. If some guitarplayer from Spain is coming to town,go to that event etc.

And what do youu enjoy doing? Its a lot of courses and classes in Oslo you can attend to, and that way,you will learn Norwegian faster.

[Leini]

Don't give up.We are a shy type of ppl, but once you get to know us, you got lifelong friends who really care.

[CoverMe]

You should register on meetup.com and Internations. It's mostly for expats, but at least meetup has a lot of Norwegian members as well. I'm norwegian, but did not know a lot of people in Oslo, but I've met many good friends at meet ups:)

[Dr_love]

I'm Spanish and I don't fit in with the norwegian people, I recently arrived here in Oslo (2 eeks ago) but it is really hard for me to get to know someone. As soon as they hear me speak english I feel this tension in the group and eventually I just go away. I will try to learn Norwegian of course, but I want at least one friend or so in the beginning. Im starting to feel rather lonely. What are some ways to gain Norwegian friends here?

Anonymous poster hash: 287d3...233

Hola !

La cultura noruega es muy diferente a la española. Noruegos tienden a tener pequeñas círculo social, incluso si son de salida, aprender noruego sin duda hará que sea más fácil para usted.

[AnonymBruker]

I'm sorry to hear that, but it might just be difference in culture. Many foreigners say Norwegians are cold and distant, and perhaps there is some truth to that depending on what is common in one's own culture. But we are usually nice once we get to know you:)

How about trying to meet people through a common interest? I'm shy around people but it helps if we have a hobby or something in common, so I joined a group who just meet up to draw and have a drink or cake or whatever.

I notice several point out that people are not comfortable with speaking English(or Spanish for that matter), I can't relate to that, but maybe you could try seeking out people who are interested in language or culture? Or computer-geeks? They are all usually comfortable with English in my experience:) And once you know someone it is usually easier to get to know more^^,

Just hang in there!

Anonymous poster hash: 8de05...c3c

[Gjest Iben]

Hola !

La cultura noruega es muy diferente a la española. Noruegos tienden a tener pequeñas círculo social, incluso si son de salida, aprender noruego sin duda hará que sea más fácil para usted.

Rapportert.

Nei da.

[AnonymBruker]

I'm assuming "fatherweek" is "fadderuke", which means you are a student? Try joining some student clubs, it is often easier to get to know people there as they are also interested in meeting new people:)

And yes, many Norwegians find it a bit awkward to speak English, my self included:P But others are more comfortable with it, so keep looking.

One other advice, and do not take this the wrong way or be offended! You say you talk to girls and I guess you are a guy, and you experienced people shying away.. make sure you respect peoples personal space and are not too..."on"... Our culture is not that big on touching, beeing close etc unless we already know you:) I know this is a bit different in other cultures (not a bad thing, just good to be aware of)

Anonymous poster hash: 10219...8db

[AnonymBruker]

We just had fatherweek and whenever I start talking (in english) they start to distance themselves. Is it uncomfortable for people to talk in english here? During the fatherweek parties it also went sour, i even tried speaking with some girls but the conversations never lasted any more than 2-3 mins before they just left.

Anonymous poster hash: e77b1...1b4

I think norwegians are generally a bit shy when it comes to speaking english, yes. It also hard to get to know people here unless you know someone who can introduce you to new people - speaking to strangers in the street or while waiting for the bus is not the done thing.

Since it sounds like you're a student, how about looking for some student activities to join or volunteer for?

I hope you enjoy your stay, and I really hope you find some friends.

Anonymous poster hash: a17de...e10

[kari2]

How old are you and where are you from?