Lost in translation

Since I arrived here, I really haven't had to face any significant language barriers.  After all, the majority of my friends are international/exchange students, so we all speak English whenever we hang out.  All of my courses are taught in English, and when I am in my corridor, my housemates will speak with me in English (the Swedes have really good English).  

Did I tell you I joined a choir?  I know that my singing really sucks (I'll never forget that time in second year when my R.A. asked me to turn my singing down a notch for the sake of my floormates..awkward!).  However, I have heard just how popular Swedish choirs are, and I thought it might be a good way to get to know local students, instead of just hanging around with the exchange students.  So, I joined ULLA, which is the school's female choir.

I just got back from choir weekend.  We went to one of the girls' houses and sang lots of songs, ate and drank, and played games to get to know one another a bit better.  In all, it was a good time.  However...

...this was the first time where I truly felt like a foreigner, kind of like I don't fit in the group.  Not having any knowledge in the Swedish language definitely set me back a bit from the group.  The girls did a great job putting a constant effort into speaking in English, but there were so many times where they would forget, and automatically speak in Swedish at the dinner table.  And so here was I was, sitting awkwardly at the table with fifteen Swedes, fidgeting, smiling, but having no idea what they were laughing and talking about.  Every 10  minutes or so, someone would say, "English, please!" (which I was really thankful for).  I've never really been in a situation where I feel like a bit of an idiot and unable to fully participate in a conversation.  

We were given new songs to learn.  I am completely new at this language - so throw in a super fast song, and I am at a lost for words (literally).  Although the girls are really nice about it and offer to translate the meaning of the songs and teach me how to pronounce the words correctly, I couldn't help but feel like an idiot!  

I'm not going to give up easily.  I told myself at the beginning of this exchange that I've got to put myself out there and just try new things, instead of keeping to my comfort zone.  I'm going to stick with this, because I think that I will regret it if I leave the choir.  

Next on the list: Innebandy!