Language/Finnish/Culture/Finnish-Literature
Welcome to this lesson on Finnish literature! As a language teacher with 20 years of experience, I've seen how understanding a culture's literature can make a huge impact on learning a language. In this lesson, we will explore famous authors, poets, and works of literature in Finland. Not only will this give you interesting topic for conversations with Finns, but it will also help you have a deeper understanding of the country's history and culture. So let's dive in!
A Brief Overview of Finnish Literature
Finnish literature has a rich history with many talented authors and poets. From the time when the "Kalevala", Finland's national epic, was compiled in the 19th century, Finnish literature has continued to develop and flourish. While it may not be as well-known as other European literatures, there are many treasures to discover in Finnish books and poems. Here, we will present an introduction to several iconic Finnish writers and their works. Hopefully, this will inspire you to read more of their works in Finnish as you progress in your language studies.
The Kalevala and its Influence on Finnish Literature
The "Kalevala" is an epic poem written by Elias Lönnrot in 1835, and it has played a significant role in shaping both the Finnish language and its literature. Lönnrot compiled the "Kalevala" by collecting and combining folk songs and oral poetry from Karelia, a region that now lies in both Finland and Russia. This work is considered highly influential because it not only preserved and celebrated Finnish folklore, but also helped to create a sense of national identity during Finland's struggle for independence from Russia.
The Kalevala has also had an enduring impact on Finnish literature, sparking a wave of interest in the country's folklore and linguistic traditions. Many Finnish writers and poets have been inspired by the themes and characters found in the Kalevala, such as the tragic hero Kullervo and the wise shaman Väinämöinen.
Aleksis Kivi: The Father of Finnish Prose Literature
When discussing Finnish literature, one cannot ignore Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872), who is considered the father of Finnish prose literature. Although Kivi wrote in both Finnish and Swedish, his most famous and influential work is "Seven Brothers" (Finnish: Seitsemän veljestä), published in 1870. This novel follows the lives of seven brothers who struggle with adapting to societal expectations and eventually choose to live independently in the wilderness.
"Seven Brothers" is considered an important work for several reasons. Firstly, it is the first significant novel written in the Finnish language, representing a major step in the development of Finnish literature. Secondly, the novel promotes the idea of self-sufficiency and individualism, which has come to be seen as a reflection of the Finnish national character. Even today, "Seven Brothers" remains one of the most well-known and loved works of Finnish literature.
Finnish Poetry: Eino Leino and Edith Södergran
In addition to prose, Finland has a strong tradition of poetry, with several acclaimed poets who have had a lasting impact on Finnish literature. Let's discuss two of the most famous ones: Eino Leino and Edith Södergran.
Eino Leino: A Poet of the Finnish People
Eino Leino (1878-1926) is perhaps the most well-known and beloved Finnish poet. His works, which include both poetry and plays, are deeply connected to Finnish folklore, nature, and national identity. Leino's poems often deal with the themes of love, beauty, and the human relationship with nature. Some of his most well-known collections include "Helkavirsiä" (1903) and "Hiihtäjän virsiä" (1905).
Leino's influence on Finnish poetry and culture is immense, and his poems continue to be cherished by the Finnish people. His works have been widely translated and adapted, and you can even find some of his most famous poems set to music by Finnish composers.
Edith Södergran: The Pioneer of Finnish Modernist Poetry
Edith Södergran (1892-1923) was a Swedish-speaking Finnish poet who is considered one of the pioneers of modernist poetry in Finland. Born into a bilingual family, she wrote her poems primarily in Swedish but was also fluent in Finnish. She started publishing in 1916 and, although she was initially criticized for her unconventional style, her work has gained more and more recognition over time.
Södergran's poems are characterized by their bold, vivid imagery and experimental language, reflecting her deep connection to nature, spirituality, and human emotion. Her most famous works include the collections "Dikter" (1916), "Rosenaltaret" (1919), and "Den bebodda ön" (1923). Despite her short career, Södergran has had a significant impact on Finnish poetry, and her work continues to be admired and studied for its innovative, groundbreaking approach.
Contemporary Finnish Literature
Finnish literature has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times, with many contemporary Finnish writers exploring modern themes and experimenting with new forms of storytelling. Some authors to look out for include:
- Sofi Oksanen - Known for her engrossing novels which reflect on Finland's historical and social issues. Some of her most famous works include "Purge" (Finnish: Puhdistus) and "When the Doves Disappeared" (Finnish: Kun kyyhkyset katosivat).
- Tove Jansson - Although she was a Swedish-speaking Finn, her Moomin books have become beloved children's literature classics in Finland and beyond. They have been translated into Finnish and numerous other languages.
- Arto Paasilinna - A celebrated Finnish author known for his humorous and sometimes absurd novels, such as "The Year of the Hare" (Finnish: Jäniksen vuosi) and "The Forest of Hanged Foxes" (Finnish: Hirtettyjen kettujen metsä).
Conclusion
I hope this lesson has given you a taste of the rich and diverse world of Finnish literature. As you continue your journey in learning Finnish, consider diving into some of these works or seeking out more contemporary Finnish novels and poetry - remember, experiencing a culture through its literature is a great way to improve your language skills and deepen your understanding of Finnish culture.
Videos
Celebrating 100 Years of Finnish Independence: The History ...
Best Finnish Language Learning Books and Courses - YouTube
Finnish Kalevala - The Most Significant Piece of Finnish Literature ...