About the session

How did so many ordinary Nordic words become global lifestyle phenomena?

How did so many ordinary Nordic words become global lifestyle phenomena – and is it ever possible to capture the soul of a country in one word? Emma Löfgren, a journalist from English-language news site The Local, will talk about how language makes us adopt new habits, breaks down barriers, and leaves us red-faced after culture clashes – but most of all how it can help us understand a new place and ourselves.

About Emma

Emma Löfgren is a digital news editor who believes language and journalism can help people find their place in the world. As the editor of The Local Sweden, she writes about Sweden’s news in English for an international community. She is the co-editor of the new book Villa Volvo Vovve – The Local’s Word Guide to Swedish Life, which explores Sweden beyond stereotypes and buzzwords.