The more fun and joy we bring to learning Finnish – at any level – the better we learn and adapt to the language. Welcome to my world where Finnish is an unfolding adventure that’s filled with awe, joy and ease.
Read more...
Did you know? You are wired for language
January 15th, 2019 Posted by irina Inspiration, Language
The simple truth is: you were born to learn and adapt to language at any level! In this video I explain why, how and the very good news this leads to. Maybe you’ll even get inspired 😉
Read more...Finnish Explained *full sentence* about unleashing your ideas: ‘Jos sinulla on ajatus, tuo se ulos’
September 15th, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish, Language
When I first started understanding Finnish around me, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Seemingly normal signs were instantly transformed into the most fascinating text! Why? Because I’d learned each word, each grammatical construction over time and suddenly, a sentence understood meant the coming together of all those little pieces. How miraculous is that?! And yet, this is the power that lies in each of us… Today I pick apart our longest sentence yet.
Read more...Finnish Explained: new video about love, orders and freedom ‘Rakastu vapauteen’
September 8th, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish
What do giving orders, falling in love and freedom all have in common? You can find all three in the two-word ad I deconstruct in today’s video! Join me for this 3 min quickie…
Read more...Finnish explained: ‘vapauden hinta’
September 1st, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish
In this video, we find out what ‘Vapauden hinta’ means and the Finnish grammar behind these two little words! I love how the Finnish language packs details into concise words. Once you start to see this…
Read more...Finnish explained: ‘tervetuloa parsaviikoille’
August 25th, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish
After living in Finland for over 8 years, I notice seasonal differences: like the annual asparagus weeks that take over restaurants in the spring! In today’s video, I deconstruct two words that pack a lot of grammatical punch. It’s a fun one!
Read more...Finnish explained: our first whole sentence! *new video*
August 19th, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish
I love spotting patterns… when I started learning Finnish, I noticed that there were lots of patterns in the language that repeat themselves. You learn one word and start to notice that its ending is used over and over. What’s that about? I explain how this works in the Finnish sentence I deconstruct today.
Read more...Finnish explained *new video* ‘yksityisalue’
August 12th, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish
Long words can seem intimidating, it’s true. But you know what’s really cool? Once you start to look at their roots and compare them with the words you already know, you might be surprised to see some overlap. This happened with the long, compound word that’s the subject of episode 3 of the Finnish Explained video series!
Read more...Finnish Explained: ‘työmaa-alue’ [new video series!]
August 6th, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish
In episode 2 of Finnish Explained, we uncover a few nuggets of wisdom from a sign that graces many construction sites.
I love breaking down and demystifying Finnish so I’ve used that as inspiration for this first season. In each video, I’ll take a short sign written in Finnish and explain, not only what it means, but also the grammar behind it. Sometimes there are nuances, subtleties and other fun stuff. Overall, Finnish has always been a wonder… and learning the language has left me with a lasting impression of awe about how we express ourselves, communicate and what language shows us about our perception of the world.
Read more...Finnish Explained: New video series! ‘Savuton kaupunki’
July 28th, 2018 Posted by irina Finnish
I’m very happy to announce the start of a new YouTube series I’ve been working on called: Finnish Explained!
Read more...
Hi! I’m Irina.
I’m a multibelonger to Finland, Canada and Romania, without ONE language or culture to call my own – I have several. My intention is to be present where I am and find inner peace and harmony where ever life takes me. I’m embracing the gems of the ongoing cultural and linguistic transition which is my life and hope to inspire others interested in doing the same. Click here to find out more!