It was while watching the last Wallander yesterday, that it hit me what’s “wrong”. Not much, because it’s excellent, as I’ve said. But it’s too BBC. Too British. They talk nicely to each other (albeit with that funny pronunciation). They have conversations. Swedes aren’t like that.
I like living in Britain, because there’s all that nice inter-personal lubrication in the shape of (possibly meaningless) small talk, chatting, politeness. The use of titles, even. Last night I realised how it jarred to hear someone addressed as Mrs Whateveritwas. We just don’t. The junior policeman addressed Wallander as Sir. (“Wake up, you drunken idiot, and get off the murder victim’s sofa. Now.” That would have been appropriate.)
Discussed this with the Resident IT Consultant, and came to the conclusion I’m not sure what we say. Just know when it feels wrong. In fact, when in doubt, say nothing at all. Will have to do some research with the Swedish Wallander and maybe some Martin Beck, too.
2 responses so far ↓
ab // December 15, 2008 at 21:07 |
I’m afraid Swedes have forgotten how to be polite, and how to smalltalk as well. Seems we think that kind of thing is too poshy. So the Mrs Whateveritwas would probably have been called by her first name.
bookwitch // December 15, 2008 at 22:36 |
I spent at least ten years in England feeling deeply embarrassed whenever anyone addressed me as Mrs G, until I learnt to relax and now I don’t blush every time.