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This exploration of Finnish culture examines the distinct differences between urban and rural life. With 86% of Finns adhering to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, cultural traditions such as weddings, christenings, and Christmas events maintain a relevance, despite increasing secularization. Key Finnish values include honesty, independence, endurance, and modesty, all influenced by nature and historical context. The impact of social norms on communication, boundaries, and what is considered 'appropriate' in conversation reflects a unique disposition. Additionally, we delve into the evolving Finnish drinking culture and attitudes toward personal privacy.
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Finnish religion • 86% Evangelical Lutheran Church • 1.5% Greek Orthodox Church • Secularized • Prevailing traditions • Weddings, christenings, funerals, Christmas church, confirmation • God respected, part of patriotism
Finnish values • Honesty – in communication too • Truth – one truth based on facts • Independence and self reliance • Endurance – hard work is good • Self effacement - modesty
Finnish values • Results • Control of feelings • Laws and rules • Work, family, nature, home • Finnishness • Flexibility
Finnish disposition – how it may seem to others • Social silence vs lack of interest • “stupidity” illness • Matter of fact vs impersonality • Calmness vs unemotional • Lack of intonation vs dullness • Seriousness vs melancholy
Finnish disposition – how it may seem to others • Modesty vs insecurity • Directness vs abruptness • Honesty vs naivety • Short small talk vs lack of personal interest • Respect for privacy vs rejection of personal contact
What makes a Finn happy • Home sweet home – a home of ones own • Sunny weather • An honest relationship – actions, gestures and words • A trusting, sincere relationship – fidelity and security • The freedom to be oneself
Nature’s impact on Finnish values • Endurance – survival through winter and poverty • Self reliance – long distances to neighbors • Results – essential for survival when hunting, providing firewood and shelter • Honest communication – “is the bear alive”-needs 100% reliable answers • Control of feelings – fear of danger, loneliness or dislike for harsh conditions had to be conquered – calmness essential for survival
Impact of history on Finnish values • Independence – survival alone as a nation • Flexibility – success in changing surroundings • Finnishness – survival between different cultures and with one threatening culture • Self-effacement – not to arouse attention among neighbors nor cause envy (Nordic value)
Finnish small talk topics • Very few “not appropriate” topics • Finnish sports – Olympics etc • Finnish weather, seasons and nature • Finnish language – learn a few words • World events and politics • Result oriented – practical issues
Topics causing offence • Over criticism about Finland – like most nations, they criticize their culture themselves, but when a foreigner does the same thing, they become defensive and overreact • Contempt for God or church • Disrespect for law – some people think that even crossing the road at red traffic light is an offense • Too “private” topics if you are not friends and until trust (through accomplishments, keeping promises)is built
Finnish drinking • Intoxication oriented culture and normal European style is becoming more common • Occasional intoxication in free time in all social classes – now less common at work related social events • European drinking habits spreading in the cities and among the educated • Schnapps and toasts among Swedish speaking Finns • Strict drunk driving rules • Drugs a big taboo and not tolerated at all
