Former Social Democrat, President and 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari has encouraged all Swedish-speaking Finns to use Swedish as much as possible in their contact with Finnish speakers, reports the (Finnish) Swedish Press Service news agency in Borgåbladet.
Ahtisaari’s comments come a day after he wrote a debate article in the capital’s main Finnish- and Swedish-language newspapers, Helsingin Sanomat and Hufvudstadsbladet, calling for the strength of Swedish to be strengthened. Ahtisaari was critical to recent developments which have weakened the status of Swedish in Finland and towards the decrease in functional bilingualism amongst Finnish-speaking Finns. Ahtisaari underlined the importance of knowledge of Swedish as an anchor for Finland’s Nordic identity. The former president proposed that Finnish-speaking students should start Swedish classes earlier in their school career, saying that starting during puberty in their seventh year of school as they do today was not a good thing for their attitude towards the language. Ahtisaari believes Swedish lessons should start at the primary level of education.
It is notable that Social Democrats can be perhaps be said to be amongst the most prepared to stand up for Swedish amongst Finnish-speaking politicians. Current President of the Republic Tarja Halonen has also spoken out in favour of Swedish. Former Prime Minister and Parliament speaker Paavo Lipponen also has actively promoted Swedish teaching through his involvement in the organisation Svenska Nu. Perhaps Finland’s Swedish-speakers would be better off with a government involving the SDP rather than Matti Vanhanen’s Centre party, who seem intent in breaking down Swedish structures wherever they can.
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Sunday 11.10.09 at 22:39
J-K
With all due respect, the whole thing that has to do with cooperation with Nordic countries doesn’t strengthen the argument that (Finnish-speaking) Finnish kids should start learning Swedish early.
I think it’s much more important to emphasize the role of Swedish language itself in the history of Finland. To know and being part of this country means that one recognizes the significance of history and willingness to protect it and preserve it into the future generation. I dare say bilingualism is essential part of Finnish soul, and both languages play an important role in Finland, which covers not just bilingual cities, but the whole Finland.
It is therefore essential that politicians themselves recognize this fact, and promote heritage. And I don’t want to see such arguments where only top politicians or those who are involved in security policy might understand. Finland needs a hero!
Monday 12.10.09 at 3:47
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeden
i hate this !
Monday 12.10.09 at 12:17
Jonas
Hi J-K. Thanks for your comment. I tend to agree. Aside from emphasising the Nordic element and the significance of Swedish for Finland from a cultural and historical aspect, I think it is also important that its economic necessity is argued. This is, of course, a less romantic argument, but one that may very well make some Finnish-speaking students realise the importance of studying Swedish with commitment. Those that want the top jobs, especially within the civil service, will need Swedish – and I am sure Finnish-speaking children would not wish their negligence to lead to a situation where bilingual Swedish-speaking Finns are the only ones getting promoted to the top positions.