Social care students on the Danish island of Bornholm are now learning the island’s local dialect to better connect with elderly residents in care homes.
Bornholm students explore local language and culture
On the island of Bornholm, around one hundred students training to become social and healthcare assistants have added a new subject to their schedule: the Bornholm dialect. This marks the first time that instruction in local dialect, culture, and identity has been introduced at the Bornholm Health and Nursing School in Rønne.
For many students who have moved to Bornholm from elsewhere in Denmark or abroad, mastering the island’s old dialect is a real challenge. But the goal is to make communication smoother between caregivers and older residents, many of whom still use traditional Bornholm expressions in their daily conversations.
That is especially important for caregivers whose first language is not Danish. Understanding both the local dialect and Danish is crucial when working with seniors on the island. Some students have already found that just knowing a few expressions helps foster familiarity and trust.
Strengthening bonds through shared language
According to Danish instructor Aja Christensen, who initiated the dialect training, many foreign students struggle when an elderly person begins to speak in a heavy Bornholm accent. Words can sound entirely foreign even if students generally understand Danish. That language gap can make it harder to deliver empathetic care.
A few simple words, such as “slappadyk” meaning “bib,” can make a noticeable difference in building connection and understanding. Even small steps in learning local words bring caregivers and residents a bit closer.
For comparison, a resource like learning Danish as an expat in Denmark provides similar advantages, improving communication and cultural confidence in everyday life.
Exploring what the Bornholm dialect means
Bornholm’s dialect is unique within Denmark. It has old roots that separate it from standard Danish, and some linguists even consider it almost a language of its own. Locals use words that are nearly incomprehensible to outsiders. For example, “bællibælli” means “grandchild,” and “de honddans glareven” refers to “those darn glasses.”
The dialect also features variations across Bornholm itself, and there isn’t an official written form. Differences in pronunciation and spelling remain common from one village to another.
Expert insight from Copenhagen University
Alex Speed Kjeldsen, a linguist at the University of Copenhagen and a Bornholm native, has studied the dialect for years and published several books on it. He believes the new training effort is both meaningful and long overdue. He notes that communication problems often arise when caregivers cannot understand the elderly residents they help.
His observation is that when caregivers, especially those with Danish as a second or third language, learn just a few local expressions, they bridge that communication gap quickly. It also helps them feel more integrated into island life.
More than language learning
The initiative is not just about vocabulary but also about cultural understanding. Old expressions often carry memories, humor, and identity. When caregivers use the Bornholm dialect, even slightly, it shows respect for local traditions and offers comfort to residents who may associate those words with home.
While this is a local experiment, Christensen hopes it will inspire other regions in Denmark to embrace local dialects within social care education. Dialects across the country are becoming less common, but many still appear in care homes, farms, and rural communities.
Similar initiatives could also benefit newcomers adapting to the Danish work environment. Combining practical language skills with cultural education, much like those offered in English courses in Denmark for foreigners, helps individuals communicate with confidence and empathy.
Preserving dialects and identity
As Denmark grows ever more diverse, local dialects risk fading away. On Bornholm, this educational step feels like both a cultural preservation effort and a practical strategy to strengthen personal relationships. For the elderly, hearing their mother tongue or familiar dialect can trigger fond memories and reinforce their sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, for students, especially those from abroad, the project lets them connect more deeply with local culture, making their work both easier and more meaningful. In the end, everyone gains—the caregivers, the residents, and the dialect itself.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Learning Danish as an Expat in Denmark
The Danish Dream: Best English Courses in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Dialekthjælp: SOSU’er undervises nu i at snakka det borrinjholmska språged
