Department of Finnish and Finno-Ugric Languages

Founded in 1922, the Department of Finnish and Finno-Ugric languages is one of the oldest departments at the University of Turku. From the very beginning, the study of Finnish and of other Finno-Ugric languages have been closely intertwined.

Research into Finnish investigates the language from multiple perspectives, ranging from human cognition to interaction and language use in everyday encounters. The focus is not only on grammar but also on the lexicon, and these can be approached also from the perspective of language learning and teaching, as well as linguistic variation and change.

Research into other Finno-Ugric languages focuses mainly on the languages of the Volga region, Mari, Mordvin, Komi and Udmurt. The central themes consist of the lexicon and morphosyntax of these languages, as well as of the history of the written varieties.

The Department of Finnish and Finno-Ugric Languages consists of two subjects: Finnish  and Finno-Ugric Languages. 

Related information

Finnish Language and Culture (for non-native speakers)

Included in the Department of Finnish and Finno-Ugric Languages, there is the Finnish Language for Foreigners study module, which is targeted at students whose mother tongue is not Finnish.

The teaching language of the module is Finnish. 

Master's Degree Programme in Finnish and Other Finno-Ugric Languages

The Master's Degree Programme in Finnish and Other Finno-Ugric Languages operates within the Department. The programme is targeted at non-native speakers of Finnish who have specialised in Finnish and other Finno-Ugric Languages and have completed their Bachelor’s degree in Finland or elsewhere.

The main language of teaching is Finnish.