In English we often hear the phrase “Stay hungry; stay foolish.” In Finnish there is a similar saying: “Nälkä on paras kokki,” which means hunger is the best cook. In other words, having the desire or appetite to learn is the most important ingredient for success.
My journey of learning suomen kieli started in Nepal, almost five months before my flight to Finland. I already knew that studying nursing in Finland would require language proficiency, especially for practical training in healthcare settings. After traveling across seven oceans to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse, I committed that I could not allow language to become a barrier to my learning.
To prepare myself, I enrolled in an online Finnish language course at Kathmandu Finnish School, where my teacher was also a graduate from a Finnish university. That was the first step of my Finnish language journey.
Today, as an international nursing student at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), I realize that language learning has been an important part of my academic as well as personal growth.
Facing the Challenges
Many studies rank Finnish among the top ten most difficult languages in the world to learn. However, there are also encouraging aspects for beginners. For example, the Finnish alphabet is mostly similar to English, with only a few additional vowels and pronunciation differences.
Since I had already learned some basic Finnish in Nepal, I arrived in Finland feeling confident that communication would be easy. However, reality surprised me. Most Finnish people spoke much faster than I expected.
At the beginning, I sometimes felt overwhelmed. Still, I did not give up trying to communicate even if all I could say was “Joo!” or “Ei!” with a smile.
Another challenge was the difference between formal Finnish, which is usually taught in textbooks, and spoken Finnish, which people use in everyday life. Because my learning had focused mostly on formal Finnish, understanding casual conversations was often confusing.
Sometimes my mistakes created funny or embarrassing situations. For example, once I wrote to a Finnish friend: “Minä tapan sinut.” He laughed and replied, “Don’t kill me! 😂” I had intended to say, “I will meet you.” That moment taught me how even a single letter can change the meaning of a sentence.
Even some place names required practice. For instance, I practiced pronouncing Kirjurinluoto, a well-known park in Pori, for almost a month before I could say it confidently. I soon realized that my understanding of Finnish was still developing, yet I often tried to speak like a Finnish person. This sometimes creates new challenges, but it also became an important part of my learning process. At times, Finnish felt more confusing than difficult, but every mistake became a valuable lesson.
Discovering the Fun in Language Learning
Learning a new language is never easy, but there is a saying: “You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once.”
Motivation is very important when learning something new. If motivation is difficult to find, it is important to start with something that interests you. For me, that starting point was traditional Finnish sayings.
Some of the sayings I learned include:
- Ei lämmin luuta riko
- Ei haukku haavaa tee
- Parempi katsoa kuin katua
- Kertaus on opintojen äiti
- Ei tippa tapa ja ämpäriin ei huku
- Aamuvirkku on illan torkku
Today I have collected nearly twenty old Finnish sayings, which has made learning more enjoyable.
I also explored Finnish culture through music and rhymes. I learned the famous song “Ievan Polkka” and the traditional rhyme “Körö körö kirkkoon.” I often share these with people I meet, and in return they teach me new Finnish words and expressions.
Another important part of my learning journey has been volunteering. I volunteer three times a week in the Oma Maa project at DIAK, where I actively practice speaking Finnish with native Finnish people. These real-life interactions have helped me build confidence and improve my communication skills.
Resources That Helped Me Learn Finnish
During my journey, several resources have supported my learning:
Communication with local people
Talking with Finnish people is one of the most effective ways to learn natural language and everyday expressions.
Language learning apps
Language learning websites
Grammar websites
YouTube channels
Free streaming service
My Tips for Students Learning Finnish
Based on my experience, I would like to share some tips for new students who are beginning their Finnish language journey:
- Learn the Finnish numbers and alphabet first.
- Pay attention to correct pronunciation from the beginning.
- Take full advantage of your teacher during language classes.
- Build a strong foundation before moving to advanced topics.
- Start by learning words used in everyday life.
- Gradually familiarize yourself with spoken Finnish.
- Learn commonly used adjectives, adverbs, and everyday expressions.
- Do not hesitate to speak with Finnish people.
- Ask questions such as “Mikä tämä on?”, “Miten sanotaan … suomeksi?”, and “Mitä se tarkoittaa?”
- Slowly learn Finnish prefixes and suffixes.
- Start learning past tense once you are comfortable with the basics.
- Never give up.
Studying and Learning Languages at SAMK
Studying at SAMK has also supported my language learning journey. The university provides opportunities to learn Finnish through courses, interactions with classmates, and daily life in Finland. The supportive and encouraging Finnish language teachers at SAMK have played an important role in making this learning journey possible. Being part of an international student community allows us to share experiences and encourage each other while adapting to a new culture and language.
Through my studies, volunteering, and everyday conversations, Finnish has gradually become a natural part of my life in Finland.
Conclusion
Learning a new language opens a new version of life. Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is also a gateway to culture. Through language, we begin to understand people’s traditions, values, and ways of thinking.
For international students in Finland, learning Finnish can help build connections, create friendships, and deepen our understanding of the society around us.
To every new student coming to Finland, my advice is simple: do not be afraid of the language. Start small, stay curious, and enjoy the process. Every new word you learn brings you one step closer to this land and the lovely people.
Author: Elisha Limbu
Elisha Limbu is an international nursing student at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) from the land of Himalayas, Nepal. She enjoys learning languages and connecting with people from different cultures.