Norwegian Native Experiences Norway at KUNA
By: Catherine Cox
KUNA’s 2019 Global Village was full of colorful and diverting cultures that were creatively portrayed by students from all around the Commonwealth. From Switzerland’s giant chocolate bar and Spain’s bullfighting ring to Scotland’s kilts and the Netherland’s windmill, there was something around every corner ready to engage every ambassador. However, to one ambassador, in particular, the Norwegian global village was especially intriguing.
“I think it will be fun because I haven’t seen anything from Norway in the US. I’m excited to see what information they picked out and what they actually did,” said Hannah Ruud on the way to the Norwegian pavilion. Ruud is a 2018–2019 foreign exchange student from Norway staying in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
The student said she was expecting to see “nature and maybe something about education, wealth, and…Vikings.” Along with her global village prediction, Ruud foresaw their resolution being something about, “wanting to be more eco-friendly… and something about climate change.”
Come to find out, her forecast was almost spot on. The ambassador representing Norway was dressed as a Viking with a faux metal battle helmet and a large shield depicting traditional Norwegian folklore. Even more, the Norwegian representatives designed a bill to promote environmental preservation. “Norway has a program where they sponsor countries to make sure their forestry isn’t getting rid of, so it’s using that as a template in the UN to help more well-off countries sponsor less well-off countries.” explained the global village informer.
Despite the exchange student originating from Norway, she learned new information about her own country! Upon arriving at the booth, she was taught how to play an old Norwegian game where people “, put a fish of some sort in a sack and people would stand on opposite ends and ask ‘May I hit you with my salted fish?’ The first person to hit the other with the fish three times won.’” described the Norwegian representative.
When asked what she thought about the representation Hannah Ruud replied with, “I thought it was fun to hear about the game because I actually didn’t know a lot about that and I really liked their resolution.”
All in all, the exchange student had an interesting experience seeing how people interpreted her home country. Even more, this interview related back to KUNA’s recurring theme. Uniting people from two different environments who are interested in the same culture was a great way to show how people can come together.
