In “Oslo” Bryson illustrates humanity’s innate curiosity through the engagement with a foreign culture. In general terms most people have limited knowledge of a foreign culture, and the interaction with a foreign culture instinctively triggers an intrinsic reflex and desire to learn about what’s happening in their surroundings. To demonstrate this Bryson travels to Oslo without knowing Norwegian and finds himself encapsulated with “childlike wonder” (36) to be in an area where he doesn't know anything, but is occupied with guessing what is occurring around him. Bryson’s engagement with the local culture by visiting Hammerfest and local cafés and then his inclination to eavesdrop on conversations confirm the natural curiosity of humans to
