Estonian language

In the culture, history, and modern day of Finland’s southern neighbouring country, Estonia, there can be found surprising amounts of things both in common and differing from those in Finland. As a related language Estonian presents itself as a challenge to the student wishing to know better the history and modern state of Finnish language. Travel, economical, political, cultural, and personal relationships and contacts are ever increasing and getting more versatile. Estonia is a country developing fast, and the experts of her language and culture are in need in Finland, Estonia, and European Union.

The University of Oulu offers Basic studies (25 credits) and Intermediate studies (35 credits) in the subject of language and culture of Estonia. A prerequisite course is the basics course in Estonian language (4 credits). The minor subject emphasizes in its research contrastive studying of Finnish and Estonian language and culture, and Finnish and Estonian as a second or foreign language. The languages of instruction in Basic studies are both Finnish and Estonian, in Intermediate studies the language is Estonian. The aim is to educate professionals who know Estonian language and culture for working life needs of North Finland, as well as other places.

Admission requirement and commission of studies

Language and culture of Estonia is a freely chosen minor subject for the students of the University of Oulu. Courses of this minor subject can substitute as optional courses in some Intermediate and Advanced studies in Finnish Language. The basics course in Estonian language is an obligatory course for the Finnish Language major subject students. The basics course is held every autumn term. Part of the studies in this subject can be completed by being an exchange student in the Estonian universities at Tartu or Tallinn. Students should contact lecturer Heli Laanekask when seeking to substitute courses from these universities for equivalent courses here.