How to Speak Inclusive Finnish

Inclusive language is an essential aspect of communication in today’s diverse world. It ensures that everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or any other characteristic. Inclusive language avoids biases, slang, or expressions that may exclude particular groups of people. When learning a new language, such as Finnish, it’s crucial to be aware of and practice inclusive language to foster a more inclusive society.

The Importance of Inclusive Language in Finnish

Finnish, like many other languages, has its own set of grammatical rules and cultural nuances. As the Finnish society becomes increasingly diverse, the need for inclusive language becomes more apparent. Using inclusive Finnish not only promotes equality but also enhances communication and understanding among different groups. It allows everyone to feel recognized and appreciated, which is vital in building a cohesive community.

Gender-Neutral Pronouns in Finnish

One of the key aspects of inclusive language is the use of gender-neutral pronouns. Finnish has an advantage in this area compared to many other languages because it already uses a gender-neutral pronoun.

Hän: The Finnish language uses the pronoun “hän” to refer to both “he” and “she.” This inherent gender neutrality makes Finnish a relatively inclusive language in terms of gender. Unlike English, where the distinction between “he” and “she” can sometimes lead to unintentional gender bias, “hän” eliminates this issue.

Se: While “se” is typically used for objects and animals, it can sometimes be used informally to refer to people. However, this usage is less formal and can be considered impolite. To maintain inclusivity and respect, it’s better to stick with “hän” when referring to people.

Inclusive Vocabulary

Inclusive language also involves using vocabulary that doesn’t exclude or marginalize any group of people. Here are some tips for using inclusive vocabulary in Finnish:

Ammattinimikkeet (Job Titles): Many job titles in Finnish can be made gender-neutral by avoiding gender-specific suffixes. For example:
– Instead of “opettajatar” (female teacher), use “opettaja” (teacher).
– Instead of “johtajatar” (female leader), use “johtaja” (leader).

Terms of Address: When addressing groups or individuals, use terms that include everyone:
– Instead of “hyvät herrat ja naiset” (ladies and gentlemen), use “hyvät kuulijat” (dear listeners) or “hyvät ystävät” (dear friends).
– Instead of “miehet ja naiset” (men and women), use “ihmiset” (people).

Inclusive Family Terms: Family terms can also be made more inclusive by avoiding gender-specific terms:
– Instead of “isä” (father) or “äiti” (mother), use “vanhempi” (parent) when referring to parents in general.
– Instead of “poika” (son) or “tytär” (daughter), use “lapsi” (child) when referring to children in general.

Respecting Cultural Diversity

Inclusive language goes beyond gender neutrality. It also involves respecting and acknowledging cultural diversity. Here are some tips for using inclusive Finnish in a culturally diverse context:

Avoid Stereotypes: Be mindful of stereotypes and avoid making assumptions based on someone’s ethnicity, religion, or cultural background. For example, avoid assuming that all Finnish people are blond or that everyone celebrates Christmas.

Use Culturally Sensitive Language: Be aware of cultural sensitivities and use language that shows respect for different cultures. For example, instead of using the term “Eskimo,” use “Inuit” or the specific name of the indigenous group.

Learn About Different Cultures: Educate yourself about different cultures and their customs. This will help you use language that is respectful and inclusive. For example, learn about the Sami people, an indigenous group in Finland, and their language and culture.

Addressing Disabilities

Inclusive language also involves using respectful and inclusive terms when referring to people with disabilities. Here are some tips for using inclusive language in Finnish when addressing disabilities:

Use Person-First Language: Emphasize the person rather than the disability. For example:
– Instead of “vammainen” (disabled person), use “henkilö, jolla on vamma” (person with a disability).
– Instead of “sokea” (blind person), use “henkilö, jolla on näkövamma” (person with a visual impairment).

Avoid Negative Terms: Avoid terms that have negative connotations or imply that the person is defined by their disability. For example:
– Instead of “kärsii” (suffers from), use “elää” (lives with) or “on” (has).
– Instead of “vammautunut” (crippled), use “henkilö, jolla on vamma” (person with a disability).

Inclusive Language in Written Communication

Inclusive language should also be used in written communication, such as emails, reports, and social media posts. Here are some tips for using inclusive Finnish in written communication:

Use Gender-Neutral Terms: When writing, use gender-neutral terms and avoid gender-specific language. For example:
– Instead of “hän/hän” (he/she), use “hän” (they) or rephrase the sentence to avoid the need for a pronoun.
– Instead of “miehet ja naiset” (men and women), use “ihmiset” (people).

Avoid Assumptions: Avoid making assumptions about the reader’s gender, ethnicity, or background. For example:
– Instead of assuming the reader celebrates Christmas, use “hyvää juhlakautta” (happy holidays) instead of “hyvää joulua” (Merry Christmas).
– Instead of assuming the reader is Finnish, use “tervetuloa” (welcome) instead of “tervetuloa Suomeen” (welcome to Finland).

Be Mindful of Language: Be mindful of the language you use and ensure that it is respectful and inclusive. For example:
– Instead of using terms that may be offensive or exclusionary, use terms that are inclusive and respectful.
– Instead of using slang or jargon that may not be understood by everyone, use clear and simple language.

Inclusive Language in Spoken Communication

Inclusive language is equally important in spoken communication. Here are some tips for using inclusive Finnish in spoken communication:

Use Inclusive Terms: When speaking, use terms that include everyone and avoid terms that may exclude or marginalize any group. For example:
– Instead of “hyvät herrat ja naiset” (ladies and gentlemen), use “hyvät kuulijat” (dear listeners) or “hyvät ystävät” (dear friends).
– Instead of “miehet ja naiset” (men and women), use “ihmiset” (people).

Be Respectful: Be respectful in your language and avoid using terms that may be offensive or hurtful. For example:
– Instead of using derogatory terms or slurs, use respectful and inclusive language.
– Instead of making jokes or comments that may be offensive to certain groups, be mindful of your language and avoid making such comments.

Listen and Learn: Be open to feedback and learn from others. If someone points out that your language is not inclusive, listen to them and make an effort to improve. For example:
– If someone points out that you used a term that is not inclusive, apologize and make an effort to use more inclusive language in the future.
– If someone shares their experience or perspective, listen to them and learn from their experience.

Inclusive Language in Professional Settings

Inclusive language is particularly important in professional settings, where it helps create a respectful and inclusive work environment. Here are some tips for using inclusive Finnish in professional settings:

Use Inclusive Job Titles: Use gender-neutral job titles and avoid gender-specific language. For example:
– Instead of “johtajatar” (female leader), use “johtaja” (leader).
– Instead of “opettajatar” (female teacher), use “opettaja” (teacher).

Respect Diversity: Be respectful of diversity and avoid making assumptions based on someone’s gender, ethnicity, or background. For example:
– Instead of assuming that all employees celebrate Christmas, use “hyvää juhlakautta” (happy holidays) instead of “hyvää joulua” (Merry Christmas).
– Instead of assuming that all employees are Finnish, use “tervetuloa” (welcome) instead of “tervetuloa Suomeen” (welcome to Finland).

Provide Inclusive Training: Provide training on inclusive language and diversity to all employees. This will help create a more inclusive work environment and ensure that everyone is aware of the importance of inclusive language. For example:
– Organize workshops or training sessions on inclusive language and diversity.
– Provide resources and materials on inclusive language and diversity.

Challenges in Using Inclusive Language

Using inclusive language can sometimes be challenging, especially if you are not used to it. Here are some common challenges and tips for overcoming them:

Unconscious Bias: Unconscious bias can sometimes influence our language and lead to the use of non-inclusive terms. To overcome this challenge, be mindful of your language and make an effort to use inclusive terms. For example:
– Reflect on your language and identify any biases or assumptions.
– Make a conscious effort to use inclusive language and avoid biases.

Lack of Awareness: Lack of awareness about inclusive language can also be a challenge. To overcome this challenge, educate yourself about inclusive language and its importance. For example:
– Read articles, books, and resources on inclusive language and diversity.
– Attend workshops or training sessions on inclusive language and diversity.

Resistance to Change: Some people may resist using inclusive language because they are not used to it or because they do not see its importance. To overcome this challenge, explain the importance of inclusive language and encourage others to use it. For example:
– Share information and resources on the importance of inclusive language.
– Encourage others to use inclusive language and provide support and feedback.

Conclusion

Speaking inclusive Finnish is an essential aspect of communication in today’s diverse world. It ensures that everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or any other characteristic. By using gender-neutral pronouns, inclusive vocabulary, and respectful language, we can promote equality and enhance communication and understanding among different groups. Additionally, by being mindful of cultural diversity, respecting disabilities, and using inclusive language in both written and spoken communication, we can create a more inclusive society. While there may be challenges in using inclusive language, by raising awareness, providing training, and encouraging others to use inclusive terms, we can overcome these challenges and foster a more inclusive and respectful environment.