Got a Library Card

[spïnäl täp]

English gives you the upper hand in a lot of situations. Often it has the opposite effect: they get nicer.

[fondacey]

It all depends on the approach and the delivery.

[spïnäl täp]

Originally Posted by fondacey

I subscribe to a more Swedish mentality that "public servants" don't owe me anything more than any other professional.

Her job is to take care of people who need her help regardless of who her employer happens to be.

I don't disagree. Private sector employees should also be courteous. Besides, it costs nothing and makes everyone happier.

[Kypris]

Originally Posted by fondacey

LOL, as if they have a responsibility I persist in English all the time when it behooves me and suits my purpose.

Ummm now I'm lost. Is anyone I encounter in Sweden gonna presume I intend to live here forever and hence learn the language? Because some have the sense not to. Am I to infer they do me a disservice now? Damn it, mean mean people! I wish the whip me into shape and never answer me in anything other than Portughese every time I'm down in Brazil for over a week as well!

I hate to think what that line of thinking will do to turism or temporary residence everywhere....

And that was truly the last bait.

I was silly to even react, he used a rather transparent snooker move here, I'm not as important of a target as his older crushes.

[fondacey]

I also don't disagree (crazy having that repeat a few lines)...I just don't think it supports my thoughts that the librarian had choices and could easily have been courteous and professional regardless of her obligations to anyone but herself.

[José Maria]

Originally Posted by spïnäl täp

English gives you the upper hand in a lot of situations. Often it has the opposite effect: they get nicer.

Bingo. The central issue here. Language is power. If we stick to one language and go on the defensive, people react accordingly.

You have to be able to meet people on a neutral level, as opposed to seeking the high ground.

[spïnäl täp]

Now I understand. Kypris was trying to oppress the librarian. It's so clear now. The personal is the political. Yeah baby yeah.

[José Maria]

Originally Posted by spïnäl täp

Now I understand. Kypris was trying to oppress the librarian. It's so clear now. The personal is the political. Yeah baby yeah.

You say political. I would say condescending.

[Sodbuster]

Let's call the whole thing off.

[sooner]

Originally Posted by José Maria

I don't think the librarian was being snotty. If someone askes for a social service in a foreign language, its not peculiar to wonder if that person actually has a personnumer. The hint about SFI books is just helpful advice.

If someone asks for a social service in English, it is downright rude and unprofessional to say "no" based upon that person not speaking Swedish. Ability to speak Swedish is not a requirement for Swedish residency.

[jerpanv]

I can remember it ever being difficult to get a library card in Sweden, I do however remember having the clerk in the English section of the big Acadami bokhandel be rather snotty with me, then again I think I was speaking swedish, so maybe that was my mistake...

[José Maria]

You should have taken the helmet and shades off first.

[elrond]

Well, things must be different where you are. I got a lånekort from the stadsbibliotek in Uppsala last summer without a personnummer and with only a temporary address in Uppsala. The librarian could not have been more helpful.

I understand your experience is not uncommon and the clerk is a jerk mentaility permeates everyday life in Sweden.

[Kypris]

Glad that happened elrond! Uppsala is in many ways a very cosmopolitan town thanks to the university.

I have to say, many a times they try bless their souls. That's all I'm gonna say