RUNNING HEAD: IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 1

Exploring the Impact of Finnish Culture on Language (and Vice-Versa)

Hailey .M. Coutu

Laurentian University

ANTR-2156-Ethnolinguistics

04/10/20
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 2

H​istory

Finnish (Suomen kieli/suomi) is the official language of Finland, and is also considered

as one of the official languages of the European Union ​(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)​. Although

Finnish is a minority language of Sweden, the linguistic differences between the two are far in

between. Many people assume that Finnish is closely related to either Swedish or Russian, as

Sweden and Russia are both close neighbouring countries. However, this is not the case. Swedish

and Russian are both Indo-European languages, whereas Finnish belongs to the Finno-Ugric

branch of the Uralic family of languages ​(“Finnish Customs”, n.d).

The earliest written forms of Finnish date back to 1450, which is quite late in the

development of a major language ​(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)​. This is because fifteen hundred

years of language development was lost to history since no one wrote it down. Even worse, it

took another hundred years to produce a coherent standard written form of the language. During

this development, elements of written Latin, Swedish and German were combined and borrowed

(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)​. With the domination of Sweden, the Finnish language took on many

Swedish words and characteristics. What is interesting to note here is most Swedish words

incorporated into Finnish are government-related, while borrowed English words are cultural in

nature ​(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)​; demonstrating how historical-cultural shifts played into

language development. The Finnish language and culture have been in constant interaction with

other cultures and languages from time immemorial. Therefore, much of the similarities we see

between these languages are impacted by the progression of capitalism and power, especially as
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 3

the power has shifted over time. Today there are about six million Finnish speakers in the world

(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)​. 

C​ustoms

More so than its history, the linguistic intricacies of the Finnish language (and any

language for that matter) play heavily off of established cultural customs practiced in the region.

A Finlander's “natural way of being” is portrayed through the way things are done and said in

their language. Stereotypically, Finnish Peoples are regarded as being direct, quiet, and serious.

During my research, the following characteristics came up in almost every article. They are

known for being direct, honest, reserved, realists, cultured, hard-working (productive &

efficient), and overall respectful and reliable individuals ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. Lots of

the qualities defining this “natural way of being” can be grouped and connected through their

similarities, or how they ripple through and affect one another. In my paper, I cover four big

topics in Finnish culture that directly affect their language, or rather, the way it is used in

interaction. These four topics include: silence, politeness, individualism, and culture. Many of

the characteristics and customs are used under more than one topic-suggesting how multiple

facets are involved in the shaping of a language.

S​ilence

Probably amongst the most prominent, yet, controversial characteristic associated with

Finns and Finn language. This silence often leads to Finnish people being tagged as

“uninterested” or “superficial” by those unaware of cross-cultural differences in inter-turn

IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 4

pauses. This negative perception then leads to barriers between cultures, which may ultimately

impact interaction in business ventures. But, is this silence really intended to send this message?

Probably not...well, maybe sometimes. The intent of this silence may be better translated through

a deep Finnish value for words and honesty. Finns heavily believe that words are binding; people

are held to what they say, and should not just talk for the sake of talking ​(Global Affairs Canada,

2018)​.

For example, we (Canadians) commonly initiate plans for the future without ever following up

on it. Now, if someone were to say,

​ “ya , we should totally get together soon!”

to a Finnish person, this invitation would serve as a verbal agreement ​(Zimmel, n.d)​. Meaning, it

is fully expected they will get together ​soon​. Not months later. We often use this claim to end a

conversation nicely, while leaving an opportunity open for further future interaction, or as an

‘out’ to disregard the plans entirely, as they are merely hypothetical. Whereas, invitations,

wishes, and promises, etc are taken at face value to the Finn, no matter if the claim was

expressed in a light conversational manner ​(Zimmel, n.d)​. In turn, this may burden the

relationship of the two occupants involved in the interaction. The Finns value honesty and trust,

therefore, this occurrence may cause them to question or be suspicious of your intentions, and

may not be so open to future endeavors now that your reliability has been compromised

(Zimmel, n.d)​. So, don’t be surprised if you call up a Finn months later to follow up on the plans,

and they are no longer interested or ignore your call. The importance of words as being binding
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forces the Finns to carefully consider what they say and what is being said to them ​(Zimmel,

n.d)​. Ultimately resulting in longer periods of silence.

Things being taken and held at face value is reinforced through their phonetic language.

The pronunciation of words is confined, and should be read exactly as is ​(“Finnish Language

Structure”, n.d)​. While we have many different sounds for the same letter (ie. “a”, “c”, “k”, “e”),

the Finnish language has one sound for each. Differentiations of meaning and structure are then

achieved through vowel harmony, and the length to which each phoneme is held ​(“Finnish

Language Structure”, n.d)​. The lack of a future tense in the Finnish language further entails the

boundedness of what is said. The future is unpredictable and therefore, cannot be used as there is

no way to promise or guarantee the fulfillment of what has been said ​(“Finnish Language

Structure”, n.d)​.

While people may assume this silence as rude or offensive, the Finns feel the same about

our excessive and dramatic “chattiness” ​(Carbaugh, 2017)​. For example, when we are given a

compliment, we almost immediately respond with a compliment directed back to them-more so

than just simply accepting the compliment. While to a Finlander, the overt and excessive use of

compliments are usually brushed off as bullshit, as it does not feel as though they mean what

they are saying ​(Carbaugh, 2017)​.

Now think of this:

If that person didn’t compliment you first, would you have complimented them? Or was

your response driven by insecurity that refrains you from simply accepting the compliment?
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Maybe it is our deep need for constant reassurance that drives this sequence. Finnish peoples are

genuine with what they say-it is quite rare to see compliments being thrown around. The

difference here may be due to the lack of insecurity in Finns compared to the abundant insecurity

in Western society-who is in constant need of reassurance or recognition. This helps demonstrate

how different orientations to small talk may result in misunderstandings.

Ex​. ​Since Finns discourage the use of flashy, ingenuine adjectives, they may say

something along the lines of “naama kuuin Naantalin aurinko”, meaning, “a face like the sun in

Naantali”. Naantali is a popular vacation spot in Finland that is known for its beautiful summer

sunshine and beaches. Hence, this utterance would serve in lieu of a forward compliment, and

refers to someone who ‘has it all’ (​ Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​.

The lack of listener backchannels is another characteristic that utilizes this silence

(Zimmel, n.d)​. While it is a sign of respect and attentive listening among Finnish people, it is

often interpreted as having a lack of interest, or commitment to the conversation by others

(Zimmel, n.d)​. This is most likely in part of the numerous signals or “markers” Canadians

possess to prove our interest. We heavily rely on this slight overlapping speech to ensure other

participants in the interaction are listening, and understand what is being said. This is usually

acquired through a nod of the head, an added comment/opinion, or an “mhm” that allows the

person talking to insinuate we are following along, and they can continue. This act essentially

serves as encouragement for the speaker. Whereas in Finnish culture, overlapping talk is

considered an interruption of the speaker and conversational flow, and is perceived as obscenely
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 7

rude ​(Zimmel, n.d)​. Rather, their silence and continuous direct eye-contact is demonstrative of

their respect for the speaker ​(Carbaugh, 2017)​.

Silence in conversation has the potential to create an uncomfortable and

anxiety-provoking interaction across cultures where this is not common practice ​(Carbaugh,

2017)​. On the other hand, the overuse of exaggeration, gestures, loudness, and “idle chatter” are

critically viewed as unprofessional and distracting in Finn interaction ​(Carbaugh, 2017)​. The

differences here may stem from the differences in esteemed confidence between the cultures.

We, being in a Western society, constantly feel the need to fill silence, and receive reassurance

and recognition. The potential for anxiety can then be built upon from this “lack of”. Finnish

people are notoriously comfortable with silence-with most even preferring it-only saying things

that need to be said ​(Zimmel, n.d)​. Rather than relying on high-context alternatives in interaction,

Finns demonstrate recognition and respect through their direct eye contact, while allowing the

other to fully finish what they are saying before jumping in ​(Carbaugh, 2017)​. This is difficult

for us as we do not welcome direct eye contact as readily as we should. We often feel insecure

with people looking so intently at us, so we avoid this contact; looking around-usually down, and

often twiddling with something to distract us. Maybe this is why we rely more on verbal

fillers-to reduce the anxiety of the interaction by contributing in ways that do not disrupt the

dialogue.

As prolonged silence in interaction may indicate a lack of interest, silence in a classroom

setting can assume a lack of intelligence or commitment to education. As an extension of this,

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cultural miscommunications in the classroom are common. Because the ‘typical’ Finn prefers to

listen fully, comprehend, and rationalize what is being said to them before responding, their

response time is lengthened ​(Rangel, Paulston, & Kiesling, 2014)​. This does not mean they were

not listening, nor does it mean they do not understand the content and are incapable of answering

(Rangel, Paulston, & Kiesling, 2014)​. In Western society, we are defined and valued based on

our ability to recall information or do things as fast as possible. Often, if someone is asked a

question and they hesitate on their response, their answer is immediately questioned. Because

their answer took longer to get to, it is assumed that they are unsure or are guessing.

In a classroom, if someone is called upon and they do not say anything, it is assumed they

do not know the answer. The question is therefore redirected to another student so to reduce the

pressure on the individual. For the Finnish student, silence should be regarded as “processing”

but, for the teachers that are unaware of this, they may call upon someone else during this time of

silence, and rather than relieving pressure off of the student, it may lead to a feeling of

embarrassment or insecurity ​(Rangel, Paulston, & Kiesling, 2014)​.

Even Finnish grammar demonstrates a value for “less is more”; enabling the productive,

time-efficient, individualistic Finn member. So much so, one word in Finnish may be equivalent

to an entire English sentence ​(“Finnish Language Structure”, n.d)​. Rather than incorporating all

sorts of words to be representative of individual things/meanings, the Finnish language opts for a

much simpler approach. In the circuit of time-efficiency, one word may also be representative of

multiple expressions and meanings ​(“Finnish Language Structure”, n.d)​. The word is then altered
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 9

through simple fluctuations in the length of sounds/phonemes in a word. ​(“Finnish Language

Structure”, n.d)​ The fact one word in the Finnish language may translate as a full sentence, along

with the potential to inherit multiple meanings, and express quite contrasting things dignifies the

time-efficient and productive Finn.

Ex. Finnish comedian I​ smo Leikola​ (2017) nailed it when he introduced the most useful

Finnish word to the world: “no niin”. This word, or expression, sums up humorously the

dynamics of the Finnish language and culture where less is more in communication. The word

“no niin” itself doesn’t really mean anything, but can be used to express anything from

“alright”, “I’ve screwed up”, to “calm down, no need to panic”

​(“Finnish Language Structure”, n.d)

Finns have developed quite the knack for recapping information/events. Their persistent

honesty and analytical reasoning allow the interaction to be straightforward and right to the

point, following alongside the fast-paced culture that embodies the values of Finland and its

inhabitants ​(“Finnish Language Structure”, n.d)​. The Finns do not have much care for non-verbal

communication, or the exaggerated and theatrical approach that follows in suit. Rather,

Finlanders aim to focus on facts ​(Rangel, Paulston, & Kiesling, 2014)​. Anything else fades the

message and its intent, and are not respected attributes among the people.

The need for getting to the point and not beating around the bush exemplifies their strides

for efficiency. Finns utilize postpositions more so than widely adopted prepositions ​(Rangel,

Paulston, & Kiesling, 2014)​. In this way, the main topic of the conversation (most concisely the

Noun) is established at the very beginning of the utterance. The presence of postpositions is
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expanded on under “Individualism”.

Below is an example of probably one of the most common Finnish jokes that humorously

depict their value of silence and their self-deprecating dry and subtle humour.

Mika and Peppe hadn't seen each other for ages, so they decided to get together for
"one" beer. At the end of the first pint,Peppe says:

→ "How have you been?" Mika just grunts in reply.

At the end of the second pint Peppe asks:

→ "So how's your family?" Again, Mika just grunts in reply.

After three pints Peppe asks:

→ "How's work going?" Mika turns and shouts

→ "Perkele! Did we come here to talk or drink?!"

(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)

The Finns are not oblivious to the implications of their silence. Common jokes that circulate

throughout Finland mimic the topic of this silence. The fact they are capable of making jokes

about themselves, despite their elevated pride, signifies they may not be as uptight and

superficial as they are made out to be.

P​OLITENESS

The biggest differences in politeness across Finnish and Western culture are reflective of

the Westerns need for constant assurance. “Please” and “sorry” are hugely impactful in Western
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society but, is this true for all? While we rely solely on these words to demonstrate kindness or

respect, Finnish culture prefers the use of action and suitable behaviour to demonstrate such

(Chung, 2012)​. In fact, the Finnish language does not even have an accurate translation for

“please”, as they feel they do not need a singular word to signify things that should already be

mutually understood ​(Chung, 2012)​. We assume individuals as having bad intentions rather than

positive, but in Finland, respect is expected. Therefore, the initial mind-set upon meeting

someone is that respect and reliability will be shared by its members. Maybe this is why we feel

the need to excessively, and even inappropriately, use the words “please” and “sorry”; we want

to convince the other person, along with ourselves, that we are a kind person. And the only way

of accomplishing this is through the use of such “manners”. Oftentimes I find myself upset if I

hold the door open for someone and they do not say “thank you”. I am always tempted to say

“you’re welcome” sarcastically to call them out for not saying thank you. But why is it we feel

entitled to this recognition, especially for something as simple as holding the door? Should I not

just hold the door because I believe it is a nice thing to be done? Again we come back to the need

for reassurance that in some way, is always present in interactions involving Westernized

societies. We have always been taught if we wanted something we must say “please” and “thank

you”, otherwise we would not get it. It is almost as though we fear people thinking we are not

kind because we didn't use these “manners” (a.k.a an overused, one-syllable, empty word) that is

expected to send a message that should be clarified through your actions instead. As someone

accustomed to these embedded expectations, I find it so weird there is a place out there that does

not reinforce this behaviour.

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The closest thing the Finnish language has to “please” is “kiitos”, which more suitably

serves as a requestive marker rather than an act of kindness ​(Chung, 2012)​. “Kiitos” is much too

formal to be initiated into everyday conversations. Therefore, the term better serves as an

optional element that is added to a request in a bid for more cooperative behaviour ​(Chung,

2012). ​Expressing the verb in a present conditional involves a more hypothetical utterance, with

the ultimate outcome remaining open. The pragmatic function of the verb alleviates the

directness of the request, and allows more freedom of choice for the recipient ​(Chung, 2012)​.

Ex. → “Antaisitko Kynan”=“would you give me that pen” -common, informal

→ “Anna se kyna tanne”=“give that pen here” -informal, friend

→ “Antaisitko kynan minulle, k​ iitos”

​ = “give me the pen here please”

(Chung, 2012)

In addition, Finns do not typically apologize to someone for little inconveniences, such as

bumping into someone on the street. For they do not believe that something like this, that “just

happens” is worthy of an apology, otherwise it would completely demean an apology where the

depths of the impact are deeper ​(Chung, 2012)​. The absence of “sorry” (to Finns), is not

considered rude by any means, it is just something that is unthought of to say, for it holds no

value to the interaction, content, and result of doing so ​(Chung, 2012)​.

Silence is also an important attribute of their intended politeness. Allowing others to

speak fully while listening coherently ensures their response as being accurate to the
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conversation ​(Chung, 2012)​. In doing so, the integrity of the interaction is maintained; things do

not need to be repeated, conversation flows and remains on topic, and mutual respect is shared.

The Finnish characteristics of honesty and trust drives the operation for perceived politeness.

Although words are held to high esteem, in many categories they prefer to utilize actions

to demonstrate such intent. This is especially progressive in regards to equality and heavily

penalized repercussions for acts of discrimination ​(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)​. We expand more on

equality next, under “individualism” but, it is also important here to demonstrate how the

complete lack of gendered pronouns exhibits extreme levels of value and respect that is

immortalized amongst other cultures ​(“Finnish Customs”, n.d)​.

Even the mere jokes used by Finnish peoples that are intended to paint a negative

perception of something or someone, does so in such a far-out, indirect way it is hard to take

heavy offence to, especially considering the extent to which people will go in our own society to

put themselves above others.

Ex. The idiom “(jollain on) lepakoita tapulissa” roughly translates back as

“(someone has) bats in the belfry”, and is used to refer to a slow-witted

or mentally handicapped person​ (​ Melaranta, 1970). 

I mean, if someone told me I had “bats in the belfry” I really don’t think I would be upset about

it. It’s pretty funny honestly. But, if someone were to call me a straight-up retard, well then we
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 14

may have a problem. Although they intend to distribute the same meaning, the Finnish way does

not feel like a full-on derogatory attack. I may still be offended as I know it is meant in a

negative light that I have now been associated with but, the chances of me yelling an insult back

at them or crying is substantially less.

I​ndividualism

Finland mainly considers its occupants as individualists who are self-sufficient, punctual

and reliable, and take pride in this “matter-of-fact” attitude and cultural identity ​(Global Affairs

Canada, 2018)​. Their sense of equality and egalitarianism allows everyone the opportunity to

contribute ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. As touched on before, the Finnish language does not

have gendered pronouns. They believe every person has the potential and/or opportunity to

contribute to the wellness of society. Everyone is held to the same standard, and in turn, there is

more cohesion among the community ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. Putting restrictions on such

things is felt to hold the community back as a whole. Discrimination is not acceptable by any

means; while you may find someone to agree on this topic in Western society, you would be hard

done to think a Finnish person will take part in blatant discrimination, even if it is “just a joke”.

In providing this open opportunity, and taking away any boundaries that limit a persons,

everyone is expected to thrive or at least contribute to the forward movements of the country

(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. Essentially, putting their pride in their country and all the people

who work to help maintain its status, rather than inhibiting progression based on lewd patriarchal

attitudes. For us, this bias is commonly practiced (though you most likely won’t be told this
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 15

outright), and heightened through the narcissistic ego and insecurity of people who use their

entitlement to ward off women in power in case they are better than them. Quite a difference

between the societal and cultural attitudes towards the bettering and success of individuals.

Maybe it’s time for us to take some notes from the Finns in this regard. In addition to this, there

is no specified or followed “role” for a person to adhere to ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. There

is no “breadwinner” or “caregiver”-this is a decision that is to be made solely for the independent

needs of the individual family ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. Each individual is expected to

support themselves, with no expectations of what is “deserved” ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​.

The community supports the community as much as they can, making these decisions and

quality of life manageable and embraced, rather than feared.

Finnish people are extremely direct, time-efficient, and reliable. The ability to be so

efficient is a result of their devotion to honesty and analytical reasoning. You usually would not

find a Finn beating around the bush for anything ​(Chung, 2012)​. Where we Canadians tend to

run circles in an attempt to soften the blow of something that needs to be said but has the

potential to hurt one’s feelings, the Finn’s know doing so does not change the outcome and just

prolongs the already anxiety-provoking conversation ​(Chung, 2012)​. This may also be easier as

Finnish people are not expected to take news (ie. getting fired) as difficult or personal as we

Canadians tend to take everything. Finnish people have a very high standard of pride in their

nationality and its achievements, and therefore, aim to work hard maintaining this image, and

creating a better life for themselves, as well as their community ​(Chung, 2012)​.
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 16

Their mastered technique for logistics and focus on analytical facts, make for efficient

interactions (meetings) and well-thought-out decisions. This helps keep business flow running

smoothly; providing greater opportunity and benefitting the overall economic, and personal

quality of life ​(Chung, 2012)​. These little intricacies in the Finnish language, in connection to the

ways in which language is used, serve somewhat as a means to make up for lost time as a result

of their silence and prolonged pauses. At first, we can look at this silence as a value for quality

over quantity (a.k.a length of time needed/used) but, their value for productivity, directness and

logistical functioning contradicts this slightly. Well, we now know Finns prefer to perfect or

rationalize their response because of the standard words are held to but, in order to accomplish

this in an efficient manner, decisions or thoughts are usually focussed on facts that look to get

right to the point ​(Chung, 2012)​. While this results in more timely interactions, a lot of

interpersonal connections are bypassed because the details that allow for this are skipped over.

The specific traits in the Finnish language, and how it is used to incorporate their values

creates a balance that allows them to achieve greater quality in a respected and efficient manner

(Chung, 2012)​. This belief flows from the idea that getting things done right the first time is

much quicker and cheaper than having to redo it. Quality and quantity are both united here,

working as separate functions that allow a cohesive and progressive interaction to occur, while

attending to cultural values and traditions ​(Chung, 2012)​.

The act of getting to the point fast is jokingly portrayed through their sole use of

postpositions, rather than prepositions ​(“Intro to the Finnish Language”, 2017)​. The way the

language functions allows flexibility for incorporation of meaning and context to be created in a
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 17

way that balances linguistic integrity and culturally specific needs. The relative noun is put into

its genitive form, allowing the noun to take the place at the beginning of the utterance ​(“Intro to

the Finnish Language”, 2017)​.

Ex. “in-front of me” = Minun Edessa

Edessa = “in front of”

Me = Mina (but becomes genitive form: Minun)

(“Intro to the Finnish Language”, 2017)

Being able to do so establishes the topic of the sentence prior to incorporating verbs or fillers.

This is also an important piece of their language structure as it also subsides the need for

articles-another feature absent in the Finnish language ​(“Intro to the Finnish Language”, 2017)​.

All in all, creating a more direct and time-efficient approach to conversation that is embedded

and unavoidable, as per their linguistic functions and structure. Although Germany also does not

utilize articles, they rely on the differentiation of feminine, masculine, and neutral gender (der,

die, das) ​(Chung, 2012)​. Whereas the Finnish language has neither. So what does this look like?

Ex.
Gender:

German= er, sie // English= he, she // Finnish: han

- “Han” serves as a gender-neutral pronoun. The third-person singular pronoun is used to

refer to a person of any gender ​(Chung, 2012).

IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 18

​Articles​:

German= “das auto” // English= “a/the car” // Finnish= “auto”

German= “der loffel” // English= “a/the spoon” // Finnish= “lusikka”

German= “die gabel” // English= “a/the fork” // Finnish- “haarukka”

(Chung, 2012)

​Postpositions:

English= “in a/the car” // Finnish= “a​ utos​ sa​” (“​ssa​”= “in”)

English= “in my car” // Finnish= “​auto​ssan

​ i​” (“​ni”
​ = “my”)

English= “you speak” // Finnish= “p​ uhut​ ”

​ (“t​ ​”= “you”)

English= “do you speak” // Finnish= “p​ uhut​ ​ko​” (“k​ o”

​ = “do”)

English= “with Lisa” // ​ issan​ ​kansaa​” (“​kansaa​” = “with”)

Finnish= “L

English= “behind Lisa” // Finnish= “​Lissan​ ​takana”

​ (“t​ akana​” = “behind”)

Therefore, postpositions play a huge role in the differentiation of the meaning/intent behind the

“topic” (noun) ​(Chung, 2012).

A Finn’s individualism is further highlighted through their excitement and continuous

commitment to life-long learning. On average, one in every ten people in Finland are noted as

attending at least one of the 181 adult Education centres ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. The
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 19

centres are open to everyone, regardless of educational background, and are reasonably

affordable as it is helped and subsidized by the central government and local authorities ​(Global

Affairs Canada, 2018)​. This commitment clearly demonstrates the Finnish value for everyone in

the community; providing supported opportunities for communal effort and improvement that, in

turn, work together to encourage everyone to thrive and reach a state of stability.

Ex.​ Finnish idioms are notorious for targeting lazy workers. Which really isn’t that

surprising considering how much they value productivity and working hard to better enable their

country, and overall quality of life.

​ i. ​“Olla pää sitä varten, ettei selkäranka valu housuihin”

→ Roughly translates to “(only) have a head to prevent one's spine dropping to one's pants”,

referring to one who is helplessly stupid ​(Melaranta, 1970).

ii​. “Poikki kaksi tikkua”

→ Roughly translates to “across two matchsticks”, and is used against those who perform the

most minimal effort (always negative). Our closest English equivalent would be to “barely lift a

finger”. The matchsticks ignite the other if in close proximity with no effort actually needed

(Melaranta, 1970).
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 20

iii.​ “Pikku Kummitus”

→ Roughly translates to a “ghost suit” and refers to a person who insists on being sharply and

formally dressed, but who appears to do little, if any, work. Now, if only they had put as much

effort into their work as they do their appearance we may get somewhere (​ Melaranta, 1970).

The Finns may not blatantly criticize to one's face but, the jokes/idioms made regarding such are

quite obviously intended for a negative perception. For people who are always being called rude,

they seem to be able to do so in a way that does not cause anger or resentment. I feel that Finnish

proverbs are the backbone of the Finnish culture because they offer a way of saying your

thoughts without creating conflict.

C​ulture ​(Humour)

Another reason proverbs/idioms serve as a backbone to Finnish culture is the way in

which it allows us an insight into their cultural history and values. Finnish humour (as you may

have noticed), is quite dry and subtle.

Ex.
→ "Yesterday marked 21 years since I arrived in Finland."

→ "Did you celebrate with a beer and a sausage?"

→ "No. I've become Finnish. I told no one. I sat in the dark in silence and thought about

herrings."
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 21

→ "That's the spirit."

(Melaranta, 1970)

Somehow this was the entire conversation, but ended up being so funny to them it was told at

most social gatherings ​(Melaranta, 1970)​. Conversations between acquaintances revolve more

around how the fish are biting or how the garden is doing more than anything else. It looks like

he truly is a Finlander now.

The Finnish “natural way of being” is emphasized through their popular idioms, which

are embedded with connections to their traditional farm life (hunting, fishing, outdoors), and

things that are generally accepted or rejected within the culture. The following list of idioms are

ones I found that portrayed popular values or ways of thinking that spread across the Finish

culture. While they do not play a huge role in everyday conversation we can infer a lot of

conversations revolve around these topics, and almost serve as an appendix at the back of a book.

Ex.

i. “To get caught in the fyke” = “saada kiinni rysän päältä”

-A fyke is a large fishing net used for trapping fish. So, to be ‘caught in the fyke’ is the

same as ‘being caught with your hand in the till’ ​(Melaranta, 1970).

ii. “Like a bear shot in the behind” = “kuin takapuoleen ammuttu karhu”

-Finland’s national animal is the bear. This is usually to refer to someone angry. Also, let’s

pause for a moment to sit on the fact they still say “behind” and not just ass (​ Melaranta, 1970).
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 22

iii. “From the top of the large fish trap” = “rysän päältä”

-The closest English translation would be “caught red-handed”, and often refers to someone

who has been caught doing a no-good thing,

(such as stealing fish from your neighbour’s trap, or, a cheater)

(Melaranta, 1970)

The number of times animals and hunting come up in these expressions, is reflective of their

traditional agricultural livelihoods. They place emphasis on family time, preferably in the

outdoors ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. This is further identified in the ways they push for

families to hunt, fish, and cook their own food, and the pricey cost of restaurants and eating out

motivates people to do just that ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​. Fun fact: 70% of Finland is

covered in forestry ​(Global Affairs Canada, 2018)​.

This next example had me taken aback at first for sure. Here I am just scrolling through

all these expressions utilizing nature and hard work, all talking about how calm and respectful

the Finn are and, BOOM! beating children.

Ex. “helppoa kuin lapsen lyöminen/hakkaaminen” = “easy like hitting/beating a

child”-referring to something that is very, very easy to do ​(Melaranta, 1970).

IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 23

Now obviously I don't know the extent to which this is actually accepted or not in Finland, I just

included this because I thought it was a funny way to show how we can pick up on these

(possible) cultural differences from the things we talk about.

I think when discussing Finnish customs and people, one of the first things people think

of is saunas...and they’re not wrong. They value and embrace the woodcraft of the sauna, and

often use it as a place to destress in peace, while still being connected to nature ​(Chung, 2012)​.

Finns expect to hit the sauna once a week-clearing their minds, and taking care of their

well-beings to recharge and connect with themselves (or so my mom says). But, in this next

example, it does not show this at all.

Ex. “(viedä) saunan taa(kse)” = “to (take) behind the sauna”

(Melaranta, 1970)

Due to fire hazards, saunas were built at a distance from the house, and anything that happened

behind the sauna was out of sight ​(Chung, 2012)​. This is also why the reference is often used to

“put off” or “execute” ​(Melaranta, 1970)​. I used this example, rather than finding one that shows

how much they value the sauna because we also use a similar idiom that conveys the same

message (“execute”). The fact they use the term “sauna”, while we may lean more towards

taking one simply “outback” or, “behind the shed”, helps demonstrate how cultural significance

plays hugely into the ways in which we use language, even when conveying the same message.
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 24

I really wanted to do my paper on the Finnish culture as it is my most prominent heritage,

and yet, I feel so much like an uncultured swine. A lot of the habits and traditions I have found

reflect so much of the demeanor of my late grandfather, or as I referred to him, my “poppa”. This

paper has been so much fun to do, and I really feel like I have learned so much about the Finnish

culture. Maybe after the coronavirus, I’ll have to take a trip out there, hopefully putting my new

knowledge to the test.

IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 25

References

Carbaugh, D. A. (2017). The Handbook of Communication in Cross-Cultural

Perspective. ​New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.​

Chung, N. (2012). Retrieved from

https://www.language-learners.org/language-descriptions/finnish-language-profile/

Finnish Customs. (2019). Retrieved from

https://www.infofinland.fi/en/information-about-finland/basic-information-about-finland/cultures

-and-religions-in-finland/finnish-customs.

Finnish Language - Structure, Writing & Alphabet - ​MustGo.​ (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.mustgo.com/worldlanguages/finnish/.

Global Affairs Canada. (2018, September 19). Cultural Information - Finland: Centre for

Intercultural Learning. Retrieved from

https://www.international.gc.ca/cil-cai/country_insights-apercus_pays/ci-ic_fi.aspx?lang=eng

Introduction to the Finnish Language. (2017). Retrieved from

http://tasteoffinnish.fi/finnish/

Melaranta, J. (1970, January 1). English-Finnish idioms. Retrieved from

http://toimeentulo.blogspot.com/2011/01/english-finnish-idioms.html
IMPACT OF FINNISH CULTURE ON LANGUAGE 26

Rangel, E. S., Paulston, C. B., & Kiesling, S. F. (2014). The Handbook of Intercultural

Discourse and Communication. ​Chichester​. (n.d.).

Silence and the Relevance of Differing Discourse Cultures (n.d). Retrieved from

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/38014224.pdf