Learning Danish (language, not pastry) in Canberra

I realise the initial post is old (2010) but in case anyone is still looking to learn/improve their Danish, there is a Danish Conversation Group starting c/- “The Polyglot Club” (www.canberrapolyglot.org). Next gathering is on Monday 30th July 2012 in the Cellar, University House (off Balmain Cresent), ANU between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

The details were advertised through the Scandinavian Australian Association, with the contact being Keith Ross (kjbmross@bigpond.com) or phone 6258 0286

First learn Norwegian over Danish, then progress onto Danish?

A)
Norwegians understand 88% of the spoken swedish language and understand 73% of the spoken danish language.
Swedes understand 48% of the spoken norwegian language and understand 23% of the spoken danish language.
Danes understand 69% of the spoken norwegian language and understand 43% of the spoken swedish language.

B)
Norwegians understand 89% of the written swedish language and understand 93% of the written danish language.
Swedes understand 86% of the written norwegian language and understand 69% of the written danish language.
Danes understand 89% of the written norwegian language and understand 69% of the written swedish language.

Next thing you know, du vil bli snakket dansk svaert raskt.

TL;DR: Norwegians have the easiest time understanding other Scandinavian languages and speakers of other Scandinavian languages have the easiest time understanding Norwegian. For summary, Norwegian is Swedish spoken in Danish.

I’ve had great success talking and emailing to people from other countries in the language of choice using http://www.speakmania.com. You can search for people who want to learn english and in return they can help you learn whatever language you want.

Normally when you find someone who is dedicated you can suggest skype and then you chat to them. I’ve been talking to a couple of families in France (im learning French). We normally read comics to each other or talk about whatever interests us at the time. I’ve picked up more real language skills from this chatting for 3-4 hours every weekend than any other method.

Jeg taler ikke dansk

Thankyou watto!

You are in luck i believe. Weston College brain Gym have classes starting in October.

http://www.westonbraingym.com.au/Current-Courses.php

As someone who is learning a second language, your biggest hurdle will be practising the language. I’m learning spanish and whiloe there are people around who speak it, I can at least visit many countries to practise also.

Also don’t underestimate the understanding of grammar that is required to learn a language. Once you’ve learnt a second language though i believe the concepts are fairly familiar to learn more languages. So maybe if Danish is difficult, or struggle to find classes for danish, maybe learn another scandinavian language to build up some skills there.

Online is definitely an option. I’m learning Icelandic through the Uni of Reykjavik online and it’s quite good.
Also, I was under the impression that the ANU taught Danish…