Studies & Degrees in Finnish, Language and Literature (in Universities)

Choose where you would like to study Finnish, Language and Literature (in Universities):

One of the most under-rated economies in Europe is the country called Finland. What most people around the world first think of when it comes to major economies are France, Germany, and the UK but in reality Finland’s GDP is more or less on the same levels with Europe’s big boys. So if somebody wants to get into the lucrative job market in Europe, one good way to get a head start is by learning the Finnish language by, of course, taking up a course in Finnish Language and Literature. Knowing how to speak Finnish along with English is just too much of a credential leading multi-national Finnish companies not to notice because there aren’t too many people that possess this qualification.

The first step, of course, is to enroll in any reputable school that offers a Finnish Language and Literature course. Mostly, schools in Europe with close cooperation with Finland would offer this but the good thing is that most foreign language departments would have lots of applicants for Spanish, French, English and German languages, and so applicants for a spot on the Finnish Language department wouldn’t have too much to contend with once they decide to learn how to speak the Finnish language.

Enrollees of the course would learn the basics of the language during the first year. Basic would mean introduction to the language which would deal mainly with grammar, syntax, the Finnish alphabet, phonetics and vocabulary. Once the students learned what needs to be learned and cement the necessary foundation, and then they would proceed to intermediate classes in the second year and succeeding years. Intermediate would no doubt mean more advanced lessons where students can write essays and should be able to converse with any Finn more or less even though not in a fluent manner yet. Of course, as with any language, grasp of the language would only be successful if one really try to broaden their vocabulary. Broadening the vocabulary is the hard part but it should really be easy if they immerse themselves to the lessons and also do something extra like going to Helsinki and blending in with the crowd. Once you find your way there without speaking in another language, then that means you are getting comfortable with the language.

The other aspect of the course is the literature part. This part, of course, is not to make lives of those new to the Finnish language miserable but rather to bolster the appreciation for the language. Most probably, students will be analyzing the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic and the Kanteletar, Finland’s famous book of lyric poems. Of course, it would be not a complete literature course if they will not dissect the words of Timo K. Mukka, Edith Sodergran and Eino Leino among other notable Finnish literary stalwarts.

Opportunities for people who can speak Finnish along with another widely spoken language like English, French or German is actually very promising as there are many multinational companies of Finnish ownership who will need spokespersons and translators for their offshore operations. Then, of course, graduates of this course could always turn to teaching should they want to follow the academia path.