Finland Languages: Difference between revisions

From FamilySearch Wiki
VisualWikitext
m (Text replacement - "__TOC__\n(={2,6}.*?={2,6})" to "$1")
Tag: Manual revert
(14 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{CountrySidebar
{{Finland-sidebar}}
|Country=Finland
{{breadcrumb
|Name=Finland
|Type=Topic
|Topic Type=Background
|Background=Languages
|Rating=Standardized
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[Finland Genealogy|Finland]]
| link1=[[Finland Genealogy|Finland]]
| link2=
| link2=
Line 14: Line 8:
}}
}}


==Description==
Since Finnish was not an official language in Finland until 1863, most records were written in Swedish. To do research in these records, you will need to know some Swedish and Finnish key words and phrases. Also, be aware that Orthodox church records were written in Russian until after Finnish independence.  
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_language '''Finnish'''] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_language '''Swedish'''] are the two main official languages of Finland. There are also several official minority languages: <ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Languages of Finland," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Finland, accessed 22 May 2023.</ref><br>
* Three variants of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A1mi_languages '''Sami'''] <ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Languages of Finland," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Finland#Sami_languages, accessed 22 May 2023.</ref>
** '''Northern Sami'''
** '''Inari Sami'''
** '''Skolt Sami'''
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Kalo_language '''Romani or Finnish Kalo''']
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Sign_Language '''Finnish Sign Language''']
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karelian_language '''Karelian''']<br>


'''English''' is spoken by most Finns as a second language. Official statistics from 2012 show that at least 70% of Finnish people can speak English. <ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Languages of Finland," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Finland#English, accessed 22 May 2023.</ref><br>
Finland recognizes the following as official languages: Finnish, Swedish, three Sami languages: Northern (''Poooissame''/''davvisámi''), Inari (''Inarinsaame''/''anarâškielâ''), Skolt (''Koltansaame''/''sääʹmǩiõll''); Romani, Karelian, and Finnish Sign Language. About 70% of the population speaks English as a second language.


'''Russian''' is the most spoken immigrant language in Finland but has no official minority language status. It served as the third co-official language with Finnish and Swedish for a very short period between 1900 and 1917. <ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Languages of Finland," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Finland#Russian, accessed 22 May 2023.</ref><br>
When you are looking up names or words in Finnish dictionaries or indexes, it is important to know that the Finnish alphabet has three letters that follow the letter z: å, ä, and ö. The letter å does not occur in native Finnish words, but many personal and geographical names of Swedish origin use this letter.  


Since Finnish was not an official language in Finland until 1863, most records were written in Swedish. To do research in these records, you will need to know some Swedish and Finnish key words and phrases. Also, be aware that Orthodox church records were written in Russian until after Finnish independence. The Finnish language is spoken by the majority of the population in Finland and by ethnic Finns elsewhere.<br>
For word lists to help your research in Finnish records, see [[Finnish Genealogical Word List]] and [[Swedish Genealogical Word List]].


== Word Lists ==
== Sounds ==
*[[Finnish Genealogical Word List|Finnish Genealogical Word List]]
=== Vowels ===
*[[Swedish Genealogical Word List|Swedish Genealogical Word List]]
There are eight vowel in Finnish, a, e, i, o, u, y, ä, ö, and å which is found in Swedish words. Finnish has 16 diphthongs of two types. In the first type there is more stress on the first vowel, and in the second, slightly more stress on the second vowel.  
*[[Russian Genealogical Word List|Russian Genealogical Word List]]
*[[German Genealogical Word List|German Genealogical Word List]]
 
'''Finnish'''
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_language#Basic_greetings_and_phrases Basic greetings and phrases (Wikipedia)]
*[https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/finnish.php Useful Finnish phrases (Omniglot)]
*[https://wikitravel.org/en/Finnish_phrasebook Finnish phrasebook (Wikitravel)]
* ''Finnish phrase book & dictionary.'' New York: Berlitz Publishing, 2018. '''''Available at:''''' [https://www.worldcat.org/title/1002834290 WorldCat].
* Kataja, Ville. ''Finnish dictionary & phrasebook : Finnish-English, English-Finnish.'' New York: Hippocrene Books, 2002. '''''Available at:''''' [https://www.worldcat.org/title/51944382 WorldCat].
 
'''Swedish'''
*[https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/swedish.php Useful Swedish phrases (Omniglot)]
*[https://wikitravel.org/en/Swedish_phrasebook Swedish phrasebook (Wikitravel)]
* ''Rough guides phrasebook Swedish.'' London: Rough Guides, 2019. '''''Available at:''''' [https://www.worldcat.org/title/1111205500 WorldCat].
 
'''Romani or Finnish Kalo'''
*[https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/romani.htm Useful phrases in Romani (Omniglot)]
 
== Alphabet and Pronunciation ==
When you are looking up names or words in Finnish dictionaries or indexes, it is important to know that the Finnish alphabet consists of 29 letters which follow the letter z: ''å'', ''ä'', and ''ö''. The letter å does not occur in native Finnish words, but many personal and geographical names of Swedish origin use this letter. <br>
'''Finnish'''
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_phonology Finnish phonology (Wikipedia)]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_grammar Finnish grammar (Wikipedia)]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_orthography Finnish orthography (Wikipedia)]
*[https://www.omniglot.com/writing/finnish.htm Finnish Alphabet and Pronunciation (Omniglot)]
*[https://mylanguages.org/learn_finnish.php Finnish Grammar and Languages Basics (MyLanguages)]
*[https://uusikielemme.fi/finnish-grammar Finnish Grammar (Uusi kielemme)]
 
'''Swedish'''
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_phonology Swedish phonology (Wikipedia)]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_grammar Swedish grammar (Wikipedia)]
*[https://www.omniglot.com/writing/swedish.htm Swedish Alphabet and Pronunciation (Omniglot)]
*[https://mylanguages.org/learn_swedish.php Swedish Grammar and Languages Basics (MyLanguages)]
 
'''Romani or Finnish Kalo'''
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Kalo_language#Phonology Finnish Kalo Phonology (Wikipedia)]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_alphabets#Finnish_Romani Finnish Kalo (Wikipedia)]
*[https://www.omniglot.com/writing/finnishkalo.htm Finnish Kalo Alphabet and Pronunciation (Omniglot)]
*[https://www.omniglot.com/writing/romani.htm Romani Alphabet and Pronunciation (Omniglot)]
=== Sounds ===
'''Vowels'''<br>
There are eight vowels in Finnish, a, e, i, o, u, y, ä, ö, and å which is found in Swedish words. Finnish has 16 diphthongs of two types. In the first type there is more stress on the first vowel, and in the second, slightly more stress on the second vowel.  
*First group: au, ou, iu, eu, äy, öy. äi, öi, yi, ui, ei, ai, oi
*First group: au, ou, iu, eu, äy, öy. äi, öi, yi, ui, ei, ai, oi
*Second group: uo, yö, ie
*Second group: uo, yö, ie
A double vowel is twice as long as a single vowel. Double vowel combinations are: aa, ää, ee, ii, oo, öö, uu, and yy.<br>
A double vowel is twice as long as a single vowel. Double vowel combinations are: aa, ää, ee, ii, oo, öö, uu, and yy.
 
=== Consonants ===
'''Consonants'''<br>
Double consonants are pronounced separately. The first is the final letter of one syllable and the second is the initial letter of the next syllable.
Double consonants are pronounced separately. The first is the final letter of one syllable and the second is the initial letter of the next syllable.<br>
=== Accent ===
 
'''Accent'''<br>
The stress always falls on the first syllable, even with words of foreign origin.
The stress always falls on the first syllable, even with words of foreign origin.
*Helsinki (HEL-sin-ki)
*Helsinki (HEL-sin-ki)
*Sibelius (SI-be-lius)
*Sibelius (SI-be-lius)
*Räikkönen (RÄIK-könen)
*Räikkönen (RÄIK-könen)
=== Grammar ===
== Parts of Speech ==
'''Parts of Speech'''<br>
Unlike English, Finnish does not have indefinite or definite articles (a/an/the). Finnish uses the following parts of speech:
Unlike English, Finnish does not have indefinite or definite articles (a/an/the). Finnish uses the following parts of speech:
{{columns-list|4|
{{columns-list|3|
#Nouns
#Nouns
#Pronouns
#Pronouns
Line 100: Line 41:
#Interjections
#Interjections
}}
}}
== Language Aids and Dictionaries ==
'''Finnish'''
*[https://glosbe.com/en/fi English to Finnish Dictionary (Glosbe)]
*[https://www.lexilogos.com/english/finnish_dictionary.htm Finnish dictionary (Lexilogos)]
* Arminen, K.V. ''English and Finnish dictionary.'' Hancock, Mich.: Finnish Lutheran Book, 1914. '''''Available at:''''' [https://www.worldcat.org/title/4429225 WorldCat].
*[https://www.mustgo.com/worldlanguages/finnish/ Finnish (MustGo)]
*[https://kaino.kotus.fi/vks/ Dictionary of Old Finnish (Kaino.Kotus)]
*[http://en.bab.la/dictionary/english-finnish/ English-Finnish dictionary (Bab.la)]
*[[Finland Letter Writing Guide]]


'''Swedish'''
== Language Aids  ==
*[https://glosbe.com/en/sv English to Swedish Dictionary (Glosbe)]
The [[Finnish Genealogical Word List]] and the [[Swedish Genealogical Word List]] contain key words to know for doing research in Finland. The following language dictionaries can also help you in your research. You can find these and similar material at many research libraries.
*[https://www.lexilogos.com/english/swedish_dictionary.htm Swedish dictionary (Lexilogos)]
 
* ''Swedish dictionary : English-Swedish, Swedish-English.'' London: Routledge, 1995. '''''Available at:''''' [https://www.worldcat.org/title/32924666 WorldCat].
*Alanne, V. S. ''Suomalais-englantilainen suursanakirja (Great Finnish-English Dictionary)''. 3rd ed. Porvoo: Werner Söderström Osakeyhtiö, 1968. ([https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/226548 FS Library film 1224706 item 3])
*[https://www.mustgo.com/worldlanguages/swedish/ Swedish (MustGo)]
*Björkman, C. G. ''Svensk-Engelsk Ordbok (Swedish- English Dictionary)''. Stockholm: P. A. Norstedt, 1889. ([https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/549532 FS Library film 1224734 item 1]) Swedish spelling was reformed in 1906; therefore, this book includes words as they were spelled prior to 1906.  
*Ernolv, Carl. ''Svensk-Engelsk Ordbok (Swedish- English Dictionary)''. Stockholm: Svenska Bokförlaget Norstedts, 1947. ([https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/16042 FS Library film 1124531 item 12])  
 
To find other language aids in the Locality Search of the FamilySearch Catalog, look under:
 
:FINLAND- LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES - DICTIONARIES
 
:SWEDEN- LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES - DICTIONARIES
 
You may also find language aids in the Subject Search under:
 
:FINNISH LANGUAGE- DICTIONARIES - ENGLISH


'''Romani or Finnish Kalo'''
:SWEDISH LANGUAGE- DICTIONARIES - ENGLISH
*[https://glosbe.com/en/rmf English to Kalo Finnish Romani Dictionary (Glosbe)]


==Additional Resources==
== Online Finnish Language Resources ==
*[https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland Finland (Britannica)]
*[http://aboutworldlanguages.com/finnish Finnish language overview]
*[https://wikitravel.org/en/Finland Finland (Wikitravel)]<br>
*[http://www.uusikielemme.fi/grammar.html Finnish grammar]
== References ==
*[http://mylanguages.org/learn_finnish.php Finnish basics]
{{reflist}}
*[http://www.lexilogos.com/english/finnish_dictionary.htm Finnish language resources]
*[http://kaino.kotus.fi/vks/ Dictionary of old Finnish]
*[http://en.bab.la/dictionary/english-finnish/ Finnish online dictionary]


[[Category:Finland Language and Handwriting]] [[Category:Language and Handwriting]] [[Category:Language and Handwriting]]
[[Category:Finland Language and Handwriting]] [[Category:Language and Handwriting]] [[Category:Language and Handwriting]]

Revision as of 14:47, 3 May 2023

Finland Wiki Topics
Finland Flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Finland Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

Since Finnish was not an official language in Finland until 1863, most records were written in Swedish. To do research in these records, you will need to know some Swedish and Finnish key words and phrases. Also, be aware that Orthodox church records were written in Russian until after Finnish independence.

Finland recognizes the following as official languages: Finnish, Swedish, three Sami languages: Northern (Poooissame/davvisámi), Inari (Inarinsaame/anarâškielâ), Skolt (Koltansaame/sääʹmǩiõll); Romani, Karelian, and Finnish Sign Language. About 70% of the population speaks English as a second language.

When you are looking up names or words in Finnish dictionaries or indexes, it is important to know that the Finnish alphabet has three letters that follow the letter z: å, ä, and ö. The letter å does not occur in native Finnish words, but many personal and geographical names of Swedish origin use this letter.

For word lists to help your research in Finnish records, see Finnish Genealogical Word List and Swedish Genealogical Word List.

Sounds[edit | edit source]

Vowels[edit | edit source]

There are eight vowel in Finnish, a, e, i, o, u, y, ä, ö, and å which is found in Swedish words. Finnish has 16 diphthongs of two types. In the first type there is more stress on the first vowel, and in the second, slightly more stress on the second vowel.

  • First group: au, ou, iu, eu, äy, öy. äi, öi, yi, ui, ei, ai, oi
  • Second group: uo, yö, ie

A double vowel is twice as long as a single vowel. Double vowel combinations are: aa, ää, ee, ii, oo, öö, uu, and yy.

Consonants[edit | edit source]

Double consonants are pronounced separately. The first is the final letter of one syllable and the second is the initial letter of the next syllable.

Accent[edit | edit source]

The stress always falls on the first syllable, even with words of foreign origin.

  • Helsinki (HEL-sin-ki)
  • Sibelius (SI-be-lius)
  • Räikkönen (RÄIK-könen)

Parts of Speech[edit | edit source]

Unlike English, Finnish does not have indefinite or definite articles (a/an/the). Finnish uses the following parts of speech:

  1. Nouns
  2. Pronouns
  3. Adjectives
  4. Verbs
  5. Adverbs
  6. Preposiitons
  7. Conjunctions
  8. Interjections

Language Aids[edit | edit source]

The Finnish Genealogical Word List and the Swedish Genealogical Word List contain key words to know for doing research in Finland. The following language dictionaries can also help you in your research. You can find these and similar material at many research libraries.

  • Alanne, V. S. Suomalais-englantilainen suursanakirja (Great Finnish-English Dictionary). 3rd ed. Porvoo: Werner Söderström Osakeyhtiö, 1968. (FS Library film 1224706 item 3)
  • Björkman, C. G. Svensk-Engelsk Ordbok (Swedish- English Dictionary). Stockholm: P. A. Norstedt, 1889. (FS Library film 1224734 item 1) Swedish spelling was reformed in 1906; therefore, this book includes words as they were spelled prior to 1906.
  • Ernolv, Carl. Svensk-Engelsk Ordbok (Swedish- English Dictionary). Stockholm: Svenska Bokförlaget Norstedts, 1947. (FS Library film 1124531 item 12)

To find other language aids in the Locality Search of the FamilySearch Catalog, look under:

FINLAND- LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES - DICTIONARIES
SWEDEN- LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES - DICTIONARIES

You may also find language aids in the Subject Search under:

FINNISH LANGUAGE- DICTIONARIES - ENGLISH
SWEDISH LANGUAGE- DICTIONARIES - ENGLISH

Online Finnish Language Resources[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://integration-ru.familysearch.org/en/wiki/index.php?title=Finland_Languages&oldid=5310294"