IRC-Galleria

Finnish language is said to be the second hardest language to speak after Chinese. It belongs to the Finn-Ugrian language group, which is much more complicated in its form than the language group in which English belongs. I have never been as interested in learning a foreign language until coming to Finland. I would say that it is an extremely difficult language to learn for English speakers because of the word endings, pronunciation, and sentence structure.

The various word endings took me a while to learn and understand. Once I learned correct usage of them, the language made more sense and was easier to speak. It is difficult because the endings can be used many ways, such as tenses, and possessive forms.

The pronunciation was also difficult because the alphabet and vocal forms are much different from English. Speaking and listening is the best way to learn pronunciation, in any language. The pronunciation of a Finnish word is completely opposite to the appearance of an English word. In addition, Finnish words and English words are not similar in appearance. For example, Koira (pronounced Koy/ra) means dog.

The sentence structure is different in most cases. Subjects and verbs come in different places in the sentence than in English. For example, "Mita tama on" means "What is this," but the direct translation means "What this is." It is difficult and frustrating to learn, but it is easier the more I learn and speak.

It is easier to learn and understand once you learn the structure and general idea of the language. I feel that my Finnish language ability is well for the amount of time I have spoken it. It is a very difficult and demanding language to learn because it is so different from English. I have learned it by listening to people, reading newspapers, speaking every day, and learning from my mistakes.

My language teacher, has also been a demanding and inspiring language teacher keeping my motivation positive to learn more. I feel as though I speak it well, but it is such a hard language that it will take a few more years to feel comfortable speaking it all the time. Living in the culture and being able to read, hear, and speak Finnish on an everyday basis has been very important. I have been able to see and hear the practical usage of the spoken language.

In learning language, it is important to live and think in the language and hear the way everyone speaks. Learning language in a classroom is good because it is the correct written language, but most people from any culture do not speak their language exactly as it is taught in school. Now, while in America, I will learn Finnish grammar and more words so that I will be one step closer to speaking Finnish fluently.

To really learn about another culture and its people, it is necessary to live in that culture.

Books, magazines, or pictures are not enough information to fully learn and understand that which can only be seen by full immersion in the culture. Living in a culture with the people, customs, and everyday normal things is how I learned about Finland. These observations are based on what I learned while living and going to school in Finland, what I experienced in my one year there.

I think it is difficult to understand a culture unless you have lived in the culture for quite some time, and still then it is always possible to see and learn more. Finland is a country with a population of about five million people. It is a northern country and is located between Russia and Sweden. Norway, Sweden, and Finland are together called Fennoscandia. Finland is relatively the size of Minnesota and is made up of thousands and thousands of lakes. The summers are short with near continuous daylight and the winters are cold, dark, and long.

Finland is a wonderful country with a unique culture and lifestyle. The countryside and lakes are beautiful with their scenery and tranquillity. I think that the Finnish lifestyle is one that can be viewed as safe and relaxed. I think Finnish people should be proud of their country for all of its qualities, beauty, and resources.

This experience was a life-changing experience for me because it changed my perspective of the world and myself. While in Finland, I grew to a person with direction and a better idea of what I want to do with the rest of my life in terms of career, family, and everyday life.

The life, culture, and people I met made me realize how important it is to be happy in this life because it is short, and you only live once. I had the chance to make a lot of friends and recognize a lot of opportunities for my future.

So until next summer, I will study hard and be sure to take time to enjoy living and have many coffee breaks.

I like Finland.