Cornelius's Swedish conundrum

[Lord_Shark_the_Unknown]

I have a fairly straightforward question to ask Mike:

In The Final Program, the use of Swedish language goes from laughable to flawless and then straight back into laughability, all for no apparent reasons, though place names seem to be harder to get right than the actual language. (Unfortunately, no example springs to mind, and I've no copy of the book handy.) The question thus: Is this intentional, giving a very subtle hint that this aspect of the Multiverse isn't necessarily as close to our own as it might seem, or is it just an error? If the latter, are there any plans to rectify in new editions?

It might seem petty, but being Swedish, I'd just like to know.

[Michael Moorcock]

It's simpler than that, I think. I learned what Swedish I knew by hearing it rather than reading it, which is why place names can be wrong and so on. I also tried some wordplay in Swedish which might be in there. I don't remember. Some of it might have failed.

[Theocrat]

Well u know what kinda words people usually start with learning! ;)

http://www.notam02.no/~hcholm/altlang/ht/Swedish.html

[Michael Moorcock]

I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about.
I'll have to ask Mrs Persson.

[Lord_Shark_the_Unknown]

Now that you mention it, that's precisely what I found so strange, very basic errors mixed with a play on words that suggested a real knowledge of Swedish. I've looked for it, but couldn't find the spot. I did find that I was a bit harsh on your Swedish; it's never laughable. I just had a vivid memory of it being so. Oh well. Thanks for clearing that bit up for me. But, how about setting things right for future editions? It wouldn't require much, and would avoid distracting Swedish readers (all seven or so of us).

One thing I did find, and that was spot on, was Marek's definition of us people: "We are not a summer people. Winter is our natural time, though we hate it." Too right on both counts!

As for the crash course in useful Swedish... My particular favourite, Fittkuk!, wasn't there, bit of a disappointment. Won't actually translate it, it's far too rude. But it should have been there, that's all I'm saying.

[Tales from Tanelorn]

Hej Theocrat, I have a very good friend in Stockholm called Theodor. He is retired now, but he has a wonderful, singular sense of humour. He used to work for Ericsson and is the original inventor of the brolly phone an invention Nokia were considering as part of their new marketing strategy. One of the nicest weekends I had in my 5 year stint in Sweden was when his family invited me to their summer home on the beautiful island of Orno. We walked around the whole island, saw many wild red deer in incredible forest and farmland scenery. Could easily have been what Bob Calvert was singing about in "A Brave New World"...

PS. Didnt see Ferkit Kroofrudi Mibix there either!


[broken link]

[Theocrat]

Nice words from Cpt Mubbers! "Ferkit Kroofrudi Mibix"
I always wonder what it meant? :)

"Fittkuk" is as you say a very great word for saying when in a bad situation.. And i think it's quite a new word too..

[Anonymous]

Nice words from Cpt Mubbers! "Ferkit Kroofrudi Mibix"
I always wonder what it meant? :)

"Fittkuk" is as you say a very great word for saying when in a bad situation.. And i think it's quite a new word too..

That, gentlemen, is pefect High-Congolese! You've just ordered a new vacuum cleaner, thanks very much!

[Theocrat]

That, gentlemen, is pefect High-Congolese! You've just ordered a new vacuum cleaner, thanks very much!

What? Are you for real?

[Michael Moorcock]

Hi, Patrice. I always knew you hadn't coughed it. How's tricks.
Kufrudi mippit indutup smerdi ? Hope you don't think I'm being overfamiliar.

[Lord_Shark_the_Unknown]

So that's why the Lat are so grumpy. Poor little guys, all they ever wanted was a vacuum cleaner!

[Anonymous]

Hi, Patrice. I always knew you hadn't coughed it. How's tricks.
Kufrudi mippit indutup smerdi ? Hope you don't think I'm being overfamiliar.

Thank you, same to you!
Mi Mvuka butchأ© yebisa sando tchidiba, Bwana Masterstoryteller!

Or speaking with Conrad (the other Bwana Masterstoryteller, cut from the same wood) - the trouble's further upriver ...
but nothing Mrs. Persson couldn't handle.

Pat

[Michael Moorcock]

Blump!

[Anonymous]

That, gentlemen, is pefect High-Congolese! You've just ordered a new vacuum cleaner, thanks very much!

What? Are you for real?

Certainly!