Scandinavian Language Institute

Specialties

The Scandinavian Language Institute offers classes in all levels of Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish language instruction. We host the Nordisk Film Klubb with screenings of Scandinavian films twice per quarter. There are quarterly social and cultural events that are open to the public. Our instructors offer tutoring and translation services. Most of our classes are conducted at the Nordic Heritage Museum where we share facilities and coordinate activities. Each summer there is a guided tour to Scandinavia offered by one or more of our teaching staff. These tours include elements of history and culture with a personalized touch and deep knowledge of the area. Our staff is made up of experienced teachers who are fluent in the language they teach. Our website is updated regularly to include information on upcoming events and the full class schedule. Much of the curriculum materials has been specially prepared by the teaching staff to best suit our community of students.

History

Established in 1978.

The Scandinavian Language Institute was founded in the 1978 – 1979 school year by Ed Egerdahl. It’s original name was the Norwegian Language Learning Center. When the operation moved into their current facility at the Nordic Heritage Museum, the name was changed to the Scandinavian Language Institute to signify the inclusiveness of all Scandinavian languages. In addition to classes taught at the Museum in Ballard, there have also been classes offered Edmonds, Everett, Bothell, Kirkland, Stanwood and Whidbey Island. For the past 35 years, the Scandinavian Language Institute has offered instruction in Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish putting an emphasis on including elements of history and culture into the language curriculum.

Meet the Manager

Ed E.

Manager

Ed Egerdahl has been engaged as the director of the Scandinavian Language Institute since it’s inception in 1978. Ed is also the lead Norwegian instructor. He received is B.A. in Norwegian Language and Literature as well teaching certification from the University of Washington in 1977. As director of the SLI, Ed oversees a staff of 6 – 7 instructors and coordinates the teaching schedule with the Nordic Heritage Museum. Ed was born in the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard which is steeped in Norwegian culture. Ed has served on several local committees including as chairman of Seattle’s 17^th of May Committee. Ed has lead tours to Scandinavia specializing in Norway since 1980. In all, Ed has taught well over 12,000 individual Norwegian language classes and has had over 150 people join him on his tours to Norway. Ed has also served as the organist at Ballard First Lutheran Church for the past 30 years. He has three adult children and lives with his wife Laurie north of Seattle.