Finnish as a second-language subject curriculum (FIN1-02)

Purpose

Historically, northern Norway has been multilingual based on the coexistence of various groups: Finnish-speaking Norwegians (Kvens, speaking the Kven language), Finns, Sami and Norwegians. The Finnish-speaking Norwegians, who are a national minority, and the Sami people, who have the status of indigenous people, occupy a special position in Norwegian society and Norwegian culture. The Kven language has been granted the status as a language in its own right and is no longer considered a Finnish dialect. Efforts to develop the Kven language and normalize the written language are in process. The Finnish language has a long tradition in northern Norway, and tuition in this language has been given for years.

Language is an important means of communication in interaction across national borders. Increased cooperation between the countries in the Barents region and in the rest of the Nordic countries renders competence in Finnish or the Kven language useful in business and industry, cultural activities, tourism, research and political cooperation.

Learning a language means acquiring a vocabulary and skills in using the language – reading, listening, speaking and writing – in any number of contexts. Moreover, the teaching in the subject shall give a deeper understanding of one's own identity and culture in a multicultural region. Familiarity with the culture and customs in neighbouring countries also gives increased insight into one's own minority culture and greater understanding of Norwegian and Sami culture in general. Language skills enable pupils to communicate in the local community and in countries where Finnish is spoken in connection with studies, working life and travelling.

Learning a new language builds on experiences from previous language learning in and out of school. When we are aware of the strategies that help us understand and be understood, the acquisition of knowledge and skills becomes simpler and more meaningful. As Finnish and the Kven language belong to another language family than Norwegian, thus being very different from Norwegian, the language teaching provides greater insight into how to learn a new language. The subject thus becomes an important element in the pupils' personal development and a significant contribution to interdisciplinary orientation in languages, creating an important basis for lifelong learning.

Communicative skills and cultural insight can promote greater interaction, understanding and respect between persons with different cultural backgrounds. Thus language and cultural competence promote the general education perspective and strengthen democratic involvement and co-citizenship.