Studying the Finnish language: some sisu required
How does one obtain proficiency in the language that is cited as “difficult”? Although there are many ways to approach a “difficult” language, I have found in my 20 years studying Finnish that the number one quality one must have in order to obtain a working proficiency is: sisu. Sisu is, of course, a Finnish word described as “extraordinary determination, courage and resoluteness in the face of extreme adversity. An action mindset which enables individuals to reach beyond their present limitations, take action against all odds and transform barriers into frontiers. An integral element of Finnish culture and also a universal capacity which we all share.” (SISUlab)
If you do not think that it takes at least a little sisu to learn Finnish as a second language, then you probably have not tried to learn it yet.
Sauna is not a competition
Entering the Finnish-American community in Minnesota as an outsider can be pretty intimidating. Just ask my fiance (an Oklahoman) who first pronounced sauna like the Finnish word for ‘word,’ sana. From people using their ‘percentage’ of Finnishness as a marker to keep them above the crowd to those who perceive any non-Finns’ interpretation of sauna as merely an appeal to trend, it becomes tiring to feel the need to prove oneself in the otherwise healthful and calming setting of a backyard sauna.
Awaiting days of birch
As the days grow longer and warm nights are shrouded in half light until small hours, a certain hesitation is brewing for the time of solstice, for Juhannus. A weekend of partying and wonder, being in nature and experiencing the long days of joy, this is our celebration of summer. Weeks away yet, I celebrate the coming time by speaking to trees, wandering beneath their shade and keeping each of their unique species in mind.
