🇫🇮 MEET ILMARI
The Finnish Fluency Lab Reindeer
Ilmari has spent twenty something years in the Finnish forest observing the Finns in their natural habitat.
He has seen plenty, from their berry-picking habits to their devotion to jokamiehenoikeus, the Finnish right to roam and enjoy nature regardless of who owns the land.
The Finns could find their way through deep snow, carry on a conversation in freezing weather, and sit around a small fire together without saying much at all. Ilmari appreciated the last part.
A nod, a simple joo or a no niin could do a surprising amount of work.
The longer Ilmari listened, the more interested he became in the people themselves. He remembers small details, notices when someone has more to say and when someone is content to wait while they say it.
Ilmari is quiet, observant and more patient than his expression suggests. His face gives little away, but he is fond of company.
| 🦌 Name | Ilmari |
| 🌲 From | Deep in the Finnish forest |
| 🗣️ Languages | Finnish and reindeer. He understands English. |
| 💬 Role | Social media assistant and an avid supporter of Finnish Fluency Lab |
| 🕰️ Time in the forest | Twenty odd years, with a good deal of listening |
| 🥕 Diet | Whatever the season offers. Lichen is useful in winter; carrots are welcome when available. |
🇫🇮 What he learnt by listening
In the forest, Ilmari watched Finns sit together often without feeling obliged to talk. When conversation did start, it could begin with a few words and carry on without anyone making much of it. A pause or a nod could say enough.
He liked how easily they moved between quiet and conversation. He still values a comfortable silence, but he’d like to see more people speaking Finnish together. That is why he supports Finnish Fluency Lab. He is rather pleased to be involved, whether or not his face makes that clear!
Eventually, however listening from the forest was not quite enough.
🇫🇮 A short interview with Ilmari
Maria: Why did you decide to join Finnish Fluency Lab?
Ilmari: I kept hearing people say they wanted to speak Finnish. Then I heard them explain why they couldn’t do it yet. I listened to that for several years. Eventually, I thought I should do something about it.
Maria: What changed your mind about staying in the forest?
Ilmari: I thought I might be more useful here.
Maria: What do you do when someone is too shy to speak?
Ilmari: Give them time. They can start with a few words. I don’t need a speech.
Maria: And when they get something wrong?
Ilmari: I nearly always understand. I know what they’re talking about, and I listen to the whole sentence. We can look at the endings afterwards!
Maria: People sometimes think you look unimpressed.
Ilmari: That’s just my face. It has caused some confusion. Anteeksi.
Maria: Are you ever actually unimpressed?
Ilmari: When someone tells me they have nothing to say in Finnish, then spends five minutes telling me about their day in English. They have something to say. We can begin there!
Maria: What’s your role here?
Ilmari: I listen, ask a question when it helps, and let people take their time. I hope they’ll give me a little time to settle in too.
Maria: I should ask about the medal. Did you race?
Ilmari: I did.
Maria: And did you win?
Ilmari: I was given a medal.
Maria: It says “For taking part.”
Ilmari: Yes. I took part with considerable commitment.
Maria: Why don’t you answer your own emails?
Ilmari: I tried. The keyboard requires rather precise hoof movements. Maria handles the emails now. It seems a sensible arrangement.
🇫🇮 Come and speak Finnish with us
Ilmari would like to hear your Finnish. You don’t need a prepared speech or perfect endings. Come and practise with us, take your time and find your words in good company. He’ll be glad you came, though you may have to take his word for it.