Why do I study Finnish Language and Culture?
My majors are Finnish and Nutritional Science. I am interested in becoming a dietitian and also conducting nutritional research.
Jyri, suomen kielen sivuaineopiskelija / Finnish minor
Andrew Clark is a pianist and composer. While continuing his graduate studies at the faculty of music at University of Toronto, Andrew teaches music, works as a church pianist and choir director, performs at various venues and organizes concert series.
Andrew, Music major
Osaan monta kieltä, pidän kieliopista ja minun mielestäni kielen opiskeleminen on todella hauskaa. Osaan kieltä kustakin Euroopan kielikunnasta, mutta minulla ei ollut mitään suomalais-ugrilaista kielikunnasta. Valitsin suomen kieli, koska suomalainen kulttuuri on Euroopan alueen lähellä, jossa käyn usein. On myös jännittävä, että suomen kieli ei ole indo-eurooppalainen kieli ja voin oppia jotain todella eriläinen. Olen kiinnostunut Pohjoismaiden historiasta ja kirjallisuudesta - Suomi ja Ruotsi olivat läheistä sukua toisilleen ja halusin oppimaan lisää tästä uudesta kulttuurista ja historiasta, maan niin samanlaisia mutta silti niin erilaisia
I speak many languages, I like grammar and I see it as something fun. I speak a language from each language group in Europe, but I had nothing from the Finno-Ugric group. I chose Finnish because it is a culture close to the area in Europe I visit often. I found it exciting that Finnish is not an Indo-European language and I am learning something completely different. I am interested in Nordic history and literature - Finland and Sweden were closely tied and I wanted to learn more about this new culture and history of a country so similar yet so different.
Barbara, French Language Learning Major; German, English and Finnish Minors
I am studying Finnish language and culture because Finland fascinates me. The language and the culture are delightful, and every new thing learned is a new wonder that brings me joy. Of course I have more practical reasons as well, as my dream is to become a diplomat. Knowing a niche language is very useful in the field. Learning Finnish has also opened many doors for me, and I have accomplished many things that I otherwise would not have even hoped to do. There is a quote that I always think of whenever I am asked about why I study Finnish. Professor J.R.R. Tolkien, who wrote the "Lord of the Rings" said it best when he proclaimed that "[Discovering Finnish] was like discovering a wine-cellar filled with bottles of amazing wine of a kind and flavor never tasted before. It quite intoxicated me." So it is for me as well.
Marko, suomen kielen pääaineopiskelija / Finnish major
Ishara, suomen kielen pääaineopiskelija / Finnish major
Burt, Honors B.A. with Majors in Finnish Studies and English
Lucy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Major
Felicia, Diaspora and Transnational Studies Major
Alice, English Literature and Civilization Major, Visiting Student from Paris
Why do I study Finnish language and culture?
Suomi ja suomen kieli ovat kiehtovia aineita: ei missään muualla olen löytänyt paikkaa, jossa ilmasto on niin rankkaa, maa on niin kaunis, musiikki on niin intohimoisia ja luonto on niin tärkeää ihmisille, että se ilmestyy kielessä. Ehkä tämä rakkaus luontoon oli sitä, että veti minut opiskelemaan suomea, tai ehkä se tapahtui sattumalta. En tiedä syytä, mutta suomen opinnoissa löysin itse ja tapasin paljon ihmisiä, jotka toivon tulee jäämään elämässäni pitkän ajan tulevaisuuteen.
Finland and the Finnish language are fascinating things: Nowhere else have I found a place where the climate is so harsh, the land is so beautiful, the music is so passionate, and nature is so important to the people that it appears in the language itself. Perhaps it was this love of nature that first led me to study Finnish, or perhaps it happened by chance. Whatever the reason, Finnish Studies have helped me find myself and introduced me to many people that I hope will remain in my life for a long time into the future.
Emmett, suomen kielen pääaineopiskelija / Finnish major
Why do I study Finnish Folklore, The Kalevala?
For me personally it has been a matter of widening my understanding of literature. The only thing I've despised about the University academic set up is the "divisions" and "departments." The restrictions to take certain 300 level courses unless there are pre-requisites, etc. I have been using all the courses left over (aside from my POST which is a specialist in English Literature) to get to know literatures from other cultures. I have taken Russian Short Story, Croatian Literature, Nabokov, Italian Literature in Translation and French literature special topics.
The reason I took the Kalevala course is because it is an epic which opens up discussion and opportunity to know more (about traditions, beliefs of a nation and origins). I find learning about "English" literature only from England and North America to be extremely limiting and not at all representative (even within the English corpus itself). I was also surprised to find in my explorations just how many "English" authors have been so heavily influenced by Kalevala.
Andreea, English Specialist, Book and Media Minor