Interesting facts about the Finnish language – an infographic

Finnish language facts you should know about

You are wondering about the Finnish language and are up for some light reading. No problem; here we are here with some fun facts for you to review;

The Finnish language comes from a coming together of Estonian, Livonian, Votic, Karelian, Veps, and Ingrian languages. It has features like the “vowel harmony”, “consonant gradation” and many of the words are from Indo-European languages, like Baltic, German and Russian.

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Or go ahead and read below some interesting facts about the Finnish language.

Some quirky facts about the Finnish language

Sauna comes from the Finnish Language!

SAUNA is an important part of the Finnish culture. People used to have the sauna in their houses in Finland back in the day. By the way, the word sauna is originally Finnish and we use it in English as well. The idea of Sauna came out of Finland in the spread in the entire Western world.

Answering the phone

NordicTrans has seen that in Finland, people use to answer a phone call by asking where the caller is located at the moment. Nokia was one of the first cell phones that were launched in the region and it introduced the Finish population to the idea of a good cell phone.

About the grammar

The first syllable always takes the main stress and there is no article or grammatical gender in their vocabulary. There’s no future tense either. The language, when translated, requires the extra technique for these reasons.

No “Please”

The Finnish people do not have a word for please in their vocabulary. This kind of change is quite common when the culture is very different between countries or regions.

A big word

“Lentokonesuihkuturbiinimoottoriapumekaanikkoaliupseerioppilas’ is the biggest Finnish word. It means airplane jet turbine engine auxiliary mechanic non-commissioned officer student. The word is of course hard to pronounce as it virtually takes up an entire sentence worth of space!

Everything is important

In the Finnish sentences, every word, letter, caps, dots or any other element used has its own way of being pronounced depending on the meaning and the context. If you miss any punctuation, you are in danger of changing the meaning of the full sentence.

Similar dialects

The Finnish language is divided into 2 groups; Western and Eastern. Those two dialects vocabulary are so similar that western and eastern speakers can understand each other. The dialects are still clearly spoken invariance by the two segments of greater Finland!

Why was Finland consolidated?

The nationalism emerged in the 19th century made Finnish a functional national language. The language started being used in literature administration, journalism, etc. and soon became the national language of Finland!

Did you know? FINS easily switch to English!

They are used to speaking fluent English. That is why switching between languages is no big deal. If you ever want to practice the Finnish languages, you may want to ask your Finnish friends to speak it with you!

NordicTrans hopes you like our fun facts about the Finnish language! We are the best Finnish translators in the market. Call now!

Finnish Language’s Role in National Identity

In Finland, the interplay between official languages and cultural identity is deeply rooted in its history and societal shifts. Finnish, an Uralic language distinct from the surrounding Germanic languages, serves as a cornerstone of national and cultural identity. The evolution of Finnish from the 19th to the 20th century reflects broader cultural shifts, as the language has adapted and absorbed various influences while maintaining its unique grammatical structures, including its complex consonant clusters and intricate Finnish grammar. Native speakers of Finnish take pride in their language, which is central to their cultural nuances and identity, especially in a society characterized by a collectivist and pragmatic culture. The Karelian language, while a significant regional language, also contributes to the rich tapestry of Finnish cultural heritage. Figures like Akseli Gallen-Kallela, who captured the essence of Finnish culture in art, and historical figures like Hannes Kolehmainen, who exemplified Finnish prowess in athletics, illustrate the intersection of cultural and national pride. Finnish cuisine, Santa Claus traditions, and national holidays further reflect the society’s restrained and normative culture, marked by a high power distance and adherence to strict social norms. This unique blend of cultural and linguistic elements creates a society where language is not only a means of communication but also a profound expression of collective identity and cultural restraint.

Colloquial Language in Finland’s Collectivist Culture

In Finnish society, the use of spoken and colloquial language is deeply influenced by its collectivist culture and the culture of restraint that characterizes the nation. Finnish speakers navigate a linguistic landscape where social data and interactions are often guided by strict rules and norms, reflecting the restrained nature of Finnish society. This collectivistic society values modesty and discretion, contrasting with more indulgent societies where individual expression might be more pronounced. Gender identity, while increasingly progressive, is also subject to societal norms, with Finnish culture placing importance on maintaining equilibrium between personal freedom and societal expectations. Official and secular holidays offer glimpses into the Finnish way of life, providing both respite and a chance for collective celebration within the framework of a culture that values both restraint and social cohesion. This balance contributes to a nuanced intermediate score of social behavior that integrates adherence to traditional values with evolving social dynamics.

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