The Finnish language is facing a gradual decline in Gothenburg, Sweden. While the city once boasted a vibrant Finnish community, evident in the prevalence of Finnish workers in industries and shipyards, dedicated Finnish food sections in grocery stores, and the lively sounds of Finnish tango in dance halls, the number of Finnish speakers is dwindling. Statistics reveal a sharp decrease in the Finnish-born population in Gothenburg since the turn of the millennium, with the number nearly halved. This decline extends to second-generation Finnish-Swedes, while the third generation predominantly identifies with Swedish names and considers Swedish their primary language. This trend signifies a shift away from the vibrant Finnish culture that once characterized Gothenburg.
A study conducted at the University of Gothenburg in 2022, based on interviews with Finnish immigrants, paints a picture of a bygone era. These interviews highlighted the significant presence of Finnish individuals within the city’s workforce, particularly in industrial and shipyard settings. They also recalled a time when Finnish cultural elements were readily accessible, from traditional foods like Karelian pies to the popular Finnish tango music scene. This historical context underscores the current decline and raises concerns about the future of the Finnish language and culture in Gothenburg.
Efforts to preserve the Finnish language are being made through bilingual education programs in schools like Skogomeskolan. Students like Hjalmar Simpanen Andersson and Elof Franzelius participate in Finnish language classes three times a week. While this approach exposes them to the language and culture, it’s only a small part of their overall education. Their teacher, Tiia Ojamaa, a recent arrival from Helsinki, observes the students’ enthusiasm for Finnish and also highlights the varying levels of proficiency among them. The bilingual program provides an opportunity for students to use their Finnish language skills more extensively than they would otherwise.
These bilingual programs face several challenges. Even within this dedicated program, the integration of Finnish language instruction is not extensive; the students primarily engage with subjects like math, science, and social studies through Finnish. Only one student in the entire school is enrolled in Finnish as a mother tongue program, and this instruction even takes place at a different school. Furthermore, many children with Finnish roots demonstrate a higher proficiency in Swedish than Finnish, reflecting a growing assimilation into Swedish society. As subsequent generations become further removed from their Finnish heritage, maintaining the language becomes increasingly difficult.
An additional factor contributing to the decline in Finnish language use is the low participation rate in Finnish language programs, even among eligible students. National statistics reveal a growing trend of students choosing not to exercise their right to Finnish language education, despite its availability. Antti Yliselä, who relocated to Gothenburg from Finland in 2006, believes that more proactive measures are needed to promote these programs. He suggests that increased awareness campaigns by schools and local authorities could significantly improve enrollment and engagement in Finnish language education. Cheiri Wiik, a staff member at Skogomeskolan, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of language education for strengthening cultural identity.
The situation of Finnish speakers in Gothenburg contrasts starkly with that of Swedish speakers in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Helsinki offers significantly more opportunities for Swedish language immersion in early education, which are vital for language acquisition. Göteborg’s limited Finnish preschool options, currently catering to a small fraction of eligible children, further contribute to the language’s decline. While the city of Gothenburg claims to be committed to preserving the Finnish language and culture through various initiatives, concerns remain. Cheiri Wiik expresses worry about the potential loss of Gothenburg’s Finnish heritage and hopes that children like Hjalmar and Elof will maintain their connection to their Finnish identity. The overall sentiment reflects a sense of urgency to address the dwindling Finnish language use in Gothenburg before it fades away entirely.
