This paper discusses cultural encounters and language learning in Hästen hemma [The Horse at Home](1991), a children’s book by the Finland Swedish author Irmelin Sandman Lilius. It notes how language changes not only from place to place but over time. This book contains elements of fantasy andtells the story of Anna Lina,a Swedish-speaking twelve-year old girl, who is reunited with Demyun, a friend from another country, culture and time. In the primary world this friend is living the life of a refugee and is fighting to learn a new language, which is part of changing identity. In the secondary world, the children transform into horses and can communicate without difficulties.

Maria Nikolajeva writes that one reason why characters in fantasy literature usually communicate without further problems is that the author is unwilling to slow down the story for the time it takes for the characters to learn a foreign language. But it is the process of learning, adapting and changing that is the main theme of Hästen hemma. Lise Iversen Kulbrandstad writes that in children1s literature the point of view seldom is the immigrant’s and thus language difficulties are commented on by other person’s thoughts and observations. In Hästen hemma, however, Demyun is often focalized and thereby the reader gets a better view of his situation.

In my paper I will focus on the following questions: How does Demyun learn the new language, Swedish, from simple commands to complicated conversations? Which are the other inhabitants’ attitudes against the foreigner? What kind of cultural exchange is described?

Back to: IRSCL Conference Programme