Bullerby Syndrome
The Bullerby Syndrome (German: Bullerbü-Syndrom) is a term referring to an idealization of Sweden, which may occur in German-speaking Europe. It consists of a stereotype image of Sweden with usually positive associations, including wooden houses, clear lakes, green forests, moose, people with blond hair, happy people and midsummer sunshine. The term comes from Astrid Lindgren's The Six Bullerby Children books, set in rural Sweden.[1]
Berthold Franke at the Goethe-Institut in Stockholm, Sweden, wrote articles about the phenomenon, published in Svenska Dagbladet.[2] He stated that it was originally a view of Sweden, but now also the wish for a better Germany. According to him, Sweden symbolizes a healthy society and nature untouched by mankind.[3][4]
In February 2008, the term was named "Word of the month" by the Swedish Language Council.[5]
See also
References
- Bernard, April (23 June 2015). "A New Trip to Lindgren Land". New York Review of Books.
- Franke, Berthold (9 December 2007). "Tyskarna har hittat sin Bullerbü". Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). Retrieved 12 February 2015.
- "Tyskarnas vilda kärlek till Sverige". Sydsvenskan (in Swedish). 9 August 2010. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- "Traum von verlorener Wirklichkeit" (in German). Radio Schweden. 11 December 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- „Bullerbü-Syndrom“ vom Schwedischen Sprachrat zum „Wort des Monats“ gewählt, Goethe-Institut Stockholm Archive 2007–2010