Finnish as a second-language subject curriculum (FIN1-03)

Main subject areas

The subject has been structured into main subject areas with competence aims. These main subject areas supplement each other and must be considered together.

This subject is a common core subject for all the upper secondary education programmes. Learning in this subject shall therefore be made as relevant as possible for pupils by adapting each subject to its education programme as much as possible.

Finnish as a second language has competence aims after the second, fourth, seventh and tenth years in primary and lower secondary school and after Vg1, Vg2 and Vg3 (the first, second and third years) in the programme for general studies, and in vocational programmes after Vg1 and after the supplementary year qualifying for general education.

Overview of main subject areas:

Language learning

The main subject area language learning comprises knowledge about the Kven and Finnish languages and insight into own language use. Being able to assess one's own language usage, define one's own needs and select strategies and work methods are requirements for achieving this. The main subject area focuses on what it means to learn a new language and on seeing the relations between Finnish and the Kven languages, the first language and any other languages.

Communication

The main subject area communication focuses on using the Kven or Finnish languages to communicate. This is done through listening, reading, writing, prepared spoken production and spontaneous spoken interaction and also through the use of appropriate communication strategies. It also includes participation in various social arenas, where a key idea is mastering an increasing number of genres and forms of expression. Good communication requires knowledge and skills in using vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, pronunciation, intonation, spelling, grammar and syntax of sentences and texts.

New media and the development of a linguistic repertoire across subjects and topics are also key elements of the main subject area. General politeness and awareness of social norms in different situations are also an important element.

Culture, community and literature

The main subject area culture, community and literature focuses on cultural understanding in a wide sense. It covers key topics in connection with societal life, literature and other cultural expressions among the Kven minority in Norway and in the Finnish-speaking world. The main subject area also focuses on acquiring knowledge about the Kven language as a minority language in Norway.

Working with different types of text and cultural forms of expression is vital for the development of linguistic skills and understanding of the way others live, their cultures and views on life. Reading literature may also provide enjoyment and experiences and form the basis for personal growth, maturity and creativity.