Language/Finnish/Vocabulary/Politics-and-Government
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Politics and government play a crucial role in any society, and Finland is no exception. In this lesson, we will delve into the vocabulary related to politics and government in Finnish. By expanding your knowledge in this area, you will gain a deeper understanding of Finnish society and be able to engage in conversations about political topics. We will cover the names of political parties and terms commonly used in the Finnish government. So let's get started!
Political Parties[edit | edit source]
In Finland, like in many other countries, there are several political parties that represent different ideologies and interests. Here are some of the major political parties in Finland:
| Finnish | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Keskusta | Kehs-koo-stah | Center Party |
| Kokoomus | Koh-koh-oh-moos | National Coalition Party |
| Sosialidemokraattinen puolue | Soh-see-ah-lee-deh-moh-kraa-tee-nen pwoh-lue | Social Democratic Party |
| Vihreä liitto | Veeh-reh leeh-toh | Green League |
| Perussuomalaiset | Peh-roos-soo-oh-mah-lah-set | The Finns Party |
| Vasemmistoliitto | Vah-sehm-mis-toh-lee-toh | Left Alliance |
| Kristillisdemokraatit | Krih-stil-lis-deh-moh-kraa-teet | Christian Democrats |
| Ruotsalainen kansanpuolue | Roo-tah-lai-nen kahn-sahn-pwoh-lue | Swedish People's Party |
You may encounter these political parties in various contexts, such as news articles, political discussions, and election campaigns. Familiarizing yourself with their names will help you navigate the political landscape in Finland.
[edit | edit source]
To have a comprehensive understanding of Finnish politics, it's essential to learn some key terms related to the government. Let's explore them below:
Eduskunta[edit | edit source]
The Eduskunta is the unicameral parliament of Finland. It consists of 200 members who are elected by the Finnish people. The term "Eduskunta" translates to "Parliament" in English.
Hallitus[edit | edit source]
The Hallitus refers to the Finnish government. It is composed of the Prime Minister and the ministers who are responsible for different sectors. The term "Hallitus" can be translated as "Government" in English.
Presidentti[edit | edit source]
The Presidentti is the President of Finland. The Presidentti is the head of state and represents Finland both domestically and internationally. The term "Presidentti" translates to "President" in English.
Ministeri[edit | edit source]
The Ministeri refers to a minister in the Finnish government. There are various ministerial positions, such as the Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, and Minister of Health. The term "Ministeri" can be translated as "Minister" in English.
Kansanedustaja[edit | edit source]
The Kansanedustaja is a member of the Eduskunta, the Finnish parliament. It is their responsibility to represent the interests of the Finnish people and participate in the legislative process. The term "Kansanedustaja" translates to "Member of Parliament" in English.
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
Politics and government in Finland are influenced by the country's history, culture, and societal values. Finland is known for its strong emphasis on equality, transparency, and social welfare. The Finnish government strives to ensure that all citizens have access to essential services and opportunities for a fulfilling life. The welfare state model, known as the "Nordic model," is highly regarded in Finland, and it shapes the country's political landscape.
Finland has a multi-party system, meaning that there are several political parties that have representation in the Eduskunta. This diversity allows for a wide range of perspectives and opinions to be represented in the decision-making process. It also encourages open and constructive debates on various political issues.
One interesting fact about Finnish politics is that Finland was the first country in Europe to grant women the right to vote. In 1906, Finnish women gained suffrage, making Finland a pioneer in gender equality. Today, Finland continues to be a global leader in promoting gender equality in all areas of society, including politics.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to test your knowledge! Complete the following exercises to practice using the vocabulary related to Finnish politics and government. Solutions and explanations will be provided after each exercise.
Exercise 1: Match the Political Parties Match the Finnish political parties with their English translations.
- Keskusta
- Kokoomus
- Sosialidemokraattinen puolue
- Vihreä liitto
- Perussuomalaiset
- Vasemmistoliitto
- Kristillisdemokraatit
- Ruotsalainen kansanpuolue
Solution:
- Keskusta - Center Party
- Kokoomus - National Coalition Party
- Sosialidemokraattinen puolue - Social Democratic Party
- Vihreä liitto - Green League
- Perussuomalaiset - The Finns Party
- Vasemmistoliitto - Left Alliance
- Kristillisdemokraatit - Christian Democrats
- Ruotsalainen kansanpuolue - Swedish People's Party
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks Complete the sentences with the appropriate terms related to the Finnish government.
1. The ____________ is responsible for representing Finland both domestically and internationally. 2. The Finnish ____________ consists of 200 elected members. 3. The ____________ is composed of the Prime Minister and the ministers. 4. The ____________ is a member of the Eduskunta. 5. The Finnish ____________ strives to ensure equality and social welfare.
Solution: 1. The Presidentti is responsible for representing Finland both domestically and internationally. 2. The Finnish Eduskunta consists of 200 elected members. 3. The Hallitus is composed of the Prime Minister and the ministers. 4. The Kansanedustaja is a member of the Eduskunta. 5. The Finnish government strives to ensure equality and social welfare.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have expanded your vocabulary in Finnish politics and government. By learning the names of political parties and terms related to the Finnish government, you are now equipped to engage in conversations about political topics and understand the political landscape in Finland. Keep practicing and exploring the fascinating world of the Finnish language!
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Food
- Essential Phrases in Finnish
- Family and Relationships
- Greetings and Introductions
- Feelings and Emotions
- Family
- Numbers and Counting
- Health
- Counting and Numbers
- How to count in Finnish