Introduction to Finnish by Veli Matti

• During the Viking era, interactions with Scandinavian languages, especially Swedish, left a considerable mark on Finnish vocabulary and structure. This linguistic change enriched the language with new expressions and nuances.

  • Today, we explored the Finnish language throughout history. The Finnish language has its roots deeply embedded in Nordic history, having undergone development over centuries. Influences also come from Germanic and Slavic peoples, significantly contributing to the foundations of the Finnish language.
  • During the Viking era, interactions with Scandinavian languages, especially Swedish, left a considerable mark on Finnish vocabulary and structure. This linguistic change enriched the language with new expressions and nuances.
  • Geographical location has also played a crucial role in the autonomous development of the Finnish language. Finland, with its landscape characterized by numerous lakes and forests, allowed the Finnish language to evolve autonomously compared to other Scandinavian languages.
  • The influence of the Russian language has also been significant in Finnish. For example, there are words that still maintain the same meaning in both Russian and Finnish. An example of this is the word “mesta,” which means “place” in both languages.
  • The golden era of the Finnish language and culture emerged after independence when Finland adopted the vision of creating its own culture. During this period, numerous literary figures emerged, fostering a rich culture. This was essential for building a strong national identity necessary for the country’s independence.
  • In this context, the book “Kalevala” was born, collecting stories from different peoples and cities around Finland, contributing to the unification of the Finnish identity. Prominent writers like Agricola Nicolás played a crucial role in strengthening the Finnish language, being the author of the first Bible in Finnish. Additionally, the creation of poetry in Finnish began, further contributing to the cultural development of the country.

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