Lost in Translation

NB: After the interview, the interviewee noted that the term “internalised racism” was accidentally used. Instead, of the correct term is “embedded racism”.

Is blackfaced makeup racist? Uhm, yes?! So, why does the Danish media insist on debating whether it is?

Danish Christmas nostalgia has taken a hit. A 1997 Christmas special scheduled to be aired on TV2 was canceled due to one scene in particular, in which Danish children are seen portraying cream puffs (flødeboller), wearing blackface makeup and white gloves. Another Christmas remake is also receiving scrutiny over its portrayal of Greenlandic children. Are these examples of “hygge racism”, or is there more to it?

All signs point to the same issue: Although derogatory and racially motivated stereotypes remain deeply embedded in the language, literature and cultural mindset of Denmark, they are often assigned nostalgic value, thus becoming an inherent part of Danish humor and “being Danish”. With the act of decolonisation encouraging nations globally to rewrite the history books, why aren’t Denmark keeping up with the times?

In this episode, we talk to teacher Eja Klai, who holds a Masters in Educational Sociology, on the dissonance between Danish nostalgia and decolonisation in the 21st-century. We dive into the colonial past of the Danish Empire, go behind racial stereotypes and get really uncomfortable when we challenge our shared perceptions.

Denmark ranks top in the world for dental health. So, how come Danes have no issue making a bark, but very rarely take a bite?

In this episode, we sit down to discuss the decision by the Danish National Football Association (DBU) to not allow players to wear the One Love armband during matches at the World Cup in Qatar. At the most politically charged sporting event this year, who will lose out: Danish values or Danish fear of conflict?

And from Qatar to cavities, French dentist Louis-Marie Richard joins us to talk about the quality and price of dental care in Denmark. As lack of affordable dental care is leaving wide gaps in both teeth and in society untreated, we ask what can be done to make Danish dental crowns available to all.

This week’s episode was recorded on the day of the General Election.  The climate crisis is at the top of voters’ list of concerns, yet, covert xenophobia is driving the political discussion. We reflect on the past weeks’ mayhem and meet up with a first-time International voter to hear what the election signifies for her.   But first, an expensive sausage party needs our attention, as it turns out that 56.000 of tax payer’s money was used to serve hot dogs served at the opening of a new police station. And why is it called a pølsehorn and not “en varm hund”?

Even in the digitalized society of modern Denmark, voting cards are still printed and sent physically to your mailbox. The national mail delivery service, PostNord, is deploying an army of Danish Postman Pats to ensure voters receive their election slips in time for November 1st. However, Cam and Miriam remain skeptical.   Meanwhile, future prospects for the industrial sector seem grim. Fewer students are opting for vocational education, but Denmark is in desperate need of anything from blacksmiths to industrial engineers. More EU migrants could be an option, but will it work in the long term? Trade unions have a suggestion - but it could compromise students' freedom of choice.

Since he was suspended from his post as Head of the Danish Defence Intelligence Service in 2020, Lars Findsen has been in an ongoing fight with the State of Denmark. The State accuses him of sharing state secrets and compromising national security. Findsen claims innocence. And now, he’s published a book to share his ids elf the story.  Meanwhile, the Election campaigns continue. This week, the ongoing healthcare crisis and staff shortage mix with Foreign and Integration policies. What’s the take of the different parties on solving - or worsening - both?

The monarchy’s shrinking and Election time has begun. Something’s rotten in the state of Denmark.  Radio LIT is back with a new focus on news and developments in Denmark. Join us as we dive into the biggest headlines of the week and discuss the significance for Danes and Internationals alike.  This week, we discuss the Queen’s move to relieve her grandchildren of their royal titles and dive into the latest episode of Paradise Hotel: The Danish Election 2022. 

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We're diving into design thinking and the impact of Danish social innovation on a national and global level. We have a chat with the CEO of the Danish Design Centre about how Design Thinking is revolutionizing the public and private sector as well as finding more out about Lære in Japan who are bringing Danish Values into the Japanese workplace. 

A rising number of non-EU citizens are falling victim to the rigid immigration laws of Denmark. Jah Izakaya in Copenhagen have lost their head chef of 6 years as a result. And in Billund, Michael and Nanako wait anxiously to find out if she can stay after COVID made her pass her Danish exam 1 month too late. We get close to some of those who are affected as we dive into the rigid Danish immigration system and legislation around it.

Andelsbolig is a form of housing that is rather unique to Denmark. Buying an andelsbolig is also an extremely confusing, lengthy and, following the 2008 financial crisis, increasingly expensive process. Not to mention, how can you own an apartment, yet still have to pay rent?

Radio LIT returns to build bridges between Danes and Internationals living in Denmark. Starting with the concept of Andelsbolig, we explore the history behind, the recent changes that has affected the market and talk with andelsbolig owners to uncover this particular part of Danish life and culture.

It is Denmarks best kept secret that since 1995, EU Citizens and Permanent Residents of Denmark of more than 4 years are entitled to vote in Regional and Municipal Elections. A democratic right that many internationals will have a chance to enforce on November 16th, 2021.  In this episode, we venture within and beyond Copenhagen to explore the political landscape of Denmark. We talk to Danish and international candidates from various regions and parties across Denmark, to find out what they stand for, what they hope to achieve if they are elected and how they aim to make life better for Internationals in Denmark.

It's the 300th year since Danish-Norwegian priest Hans Egede claimed Greenland as part of Denmark. In 2021, the push for independence is stronger than ever, but the average Dane don't seem to realise. In this Lost in Translation episode, we investigate how Danes and Greenlanders look at each other and the stigma that surrounds Greenlanders here in Denmark, and Danes in Greenland. We speak with Greenlandic artist, musician and actor Josef Tarrak-Petrussen about Inuit culture and his experience of living in Denmark after growing up in Greenland.

We're checking in to see how you guys have been, We don't know about you, but lockdown is hitting us hard! So, we're catching up and sharing our plans for the shows to come. Cam feels a little less European than he did in Episode 5 while Miriam attempts to explain John Dillerman's dog walking methods. Whether you're baking yet another sourdough or just out for a walk, tune in and join us in lockdown for a casual chit-chat and a catch up on what's been happening in our lives since we saw you last. So? how are you holding up?

In this episode, we talk to Teresa who moved to Denmark with her husband from Italy almost 10 years ago, together with their two sons. What’s it been like watching their boys grow up in a culture different than the Italian one, and what have they learned from it?.

Denmark according to... Danes? Third Culture Kids (TCK) is a term coined to describe children raised in a culture different from their parents' or from the culture of their country of nationality. In this our 4th episode of Lost In Translation, we hear from Danish diplomat daughter Fanny Wandel and Danish/English siblings Alexandra Sofie Vernon and Sebastian Alfred Vernon about calling Denmark "home" after growing up and living abroad for most of their childhood.

42% of International students studying an English-language MA end up leaving Denmark after they graduate, according to The Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science. We invited two former international students, Shaun and Ivayla together with Jakob Gradel, Career Consultant for IDA, The Danish Association of Engineers, to discuss the prospects, challenges, barriers and misconceptions graduates face, and what opportunities there are to reach for. Support the show by following us on Facebook and Instagram @radiolitdk and also by subscribing on Spotify.

Is winter depression strictly Danish? As if winter in Denmark isn't tough enough, a global pandemic just cancelled Christmas. We decided to take to the streets and survey the internet to find out how Internationals and Danes living in Denmark deal with the long and dark Danish winters - creating the ultimate guide to winging it through winter in Denmark. Support the show by following us on Facebook and Instagram @radiolitdk and also by subscribing on Spotify.

Danes are amongst the top non-native English-speakers in the world. Yet, Danglish, the Danes' way of speaking English, can lead to misunderstandings, often resulting in Internationals living here describing the Danes as rude and introvert. If you want to know why, join us as we dive into the differences between Danish and English, with International couple Zeina and Frederik and former professor of translation and interpretation, Bente Jacobsen.

Together, we're diving into Danish culture, politics and key issues, from the global perspective of internationals living in Denmark.

Join us as we set out to build bridges and tear down walls between Danes and internationals living in Denmark.