The Centre for Language and Communication Studies (CeLCS) at the University of Turku awarded the Language Diploma Prize for the third time on Thursday, 20 March 2025. This year, the prize was awarded to a group of six Sri Lankan students who have studied Finnish together during their Master’s studies. The students have shown to have a motivated and positive attitude towards learning Finnish, both in courses and in their free time. The group’s way of working together has been inspiring: they help each other to learn and make learning fun.
The Language Diploma Prize was given to Amitha Wickrama Arachchi (MDP in Global Innovation Management), Jayathri Kalinga (MDP in Education and Learning), Kalpani Pavithra (MDP in Futures Studies), Teena Perera (MDP in Education and Learning), Lahara Ranaweera (MDP in Futures Studies) and Krishna Weerathunga (MDP in Education and Learning). Congratulations!
As a group of friends learning at the same pace, they practice together regularly, making learning more interactive and enjoyable. They even created a WhatsApp group to communicate in Finnish and share learning resources. Additionally, they use picture-illustrated vocabulary boards and mind maps to reinforce their Finnish vocabulary.
The students emphasize that learning Finnish is essential for living in Finland, not just as a tool for communication, but also for understanding local culture and feeling a sense of belonging in a new society. They’ve also recognized that Finnish proficiency is the key to building a professional career in Finland and integrating successfully into Finnish society.
Discovering the Finnish language courses offered by the CeLCS has been a great opportunity for them. They say that their Finnish teachers have played a significant role in inspiring and motivating them. Over time, the process of learning the language itself has become a source of motivation.
Tips for Learning Finnish
The award-winning students share their top tips for learning Finnish. These tips work for any other language too.
- Learn Finnish because you want to: Motivation is the key. Choose courses that focus on speaking to boost your confidence in everyday situations.
- Attend classes regularly: Revise at home and complete homework diligently. Try solving exercises on your own first to deepen your understanding.
- Study in a group: Collaborate on homework, discuss answers, and explain grammar to each other to make learning more engaging.
- Incorporate Finnish into daily life: Speak Finnish at grocery stores, cafés, and daycare centres.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Speak freely without stressing about perfect grammar. Use English words if you don't know the Finnish ones, and then continue the conversation in Finnish.
- Practice vocabulary frequently: Read Finnish signs, headlines, and advertisements. Carry a small list of vocabulary or flashcards to review while commuting.
- Expose yourself to Finnish media: Watch Yle Selkouutiset and cartoons like Muumit to familiarize yourself with pronunciation and common phrases.