Listening the Swedish way (Sweden)

One of the first things I noticed when we went to Sweden—travelling slowly by coach all the way from Gothenburg to Stockholm, taking about 3 days, staying overnight along the way—was the way Swedish listeners would suck in their breath when you’re telling them something, as if constantly surprised.  (Actually, I've noticed German people doing that too.)

When we got to Stockholm, I mentioned this to our Swedish friend Lars.  He asked, “Is this done mostly by women?”  Yes, it is, come to think of it.  Lars said, “Well, you see, women love to talk, so when someone else is talking, they’re constantly trying to butt in with their own contribution.  The sucking in of breath is them getting ready to say something, but the other person—most likely also a woman— won’t let them nip in, so all you hear is the sucking in of breath.”