Learn to speak English with Finns

Are you going to Finland? Are you staying in Finland right now? Do you do business with Finns? Learn to understand their values and the impact that the Finnish language has on them. Learn to communicate in English the Finnish way!

First, some good news! According to the EF language school survey (English First), Finland ranks No 3 in the global English proficiency index. So, more likely than not, it will be possible for you to communicate in English with Finns. However, people from different parts of the world use English slightly differently. We always bring a bit of our own culture with us. In this course, you learn how you communicate in English with Finns. When you know how the Finnish language affects the way Finns speak English, you will learn how to avoid misinterpreting them. You will also learn about the some of the values and social norms that are behind the Finnish way of communication.

This Micro Course consists of three units which include videos, links, different tasks and quizzes. This course will take you about 10 hours to complete. Features of the Finnish communication style: When and how much do Finns talk? The impact of the Finnish language on the English vocabulary and pronunciation of Finns About values: Equality and trust behind the communication style

Tasks

To complete this course, you’ll need to watch some instructional videos, read a few text-based materials, pass several quizzes, and give feedback on the course. Work your way through the material in the order that it is displayed on the page. This way you’ll start with the basics and move on to the more challenging topics.

Assessment

The Micro Course is assessed Pass/Fail. To receive a course certificate, you’ll need to complete all the activities, and get at least 50% of them correct.

Skills gained

After completing the course, you are able to understand the Finnish way of speaking English, understand the Finnish way of communication, and know the values and norms underpinning the communication style.

About the instructor / instructors

Your instructor is Tarmo Ahvenainen. He has a PhD in applied linguistics and a MA in English and Russian. He has researched communication strategies in interaction when English is spoken as a lingua franca. He has also researched face theory in connection with language skills. He has more than 30 years’ language teaching experience and has run intercultural communication workshops both at Xamk and at several international partner universities in different countries.

Questions

We hope that you enjoy the course! If you have any questions about the course material, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Edufication@xamk.fi. We’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible.

If you want to receive a Certificate don’t forget to answer the course feedback.