Listen to YLE’s series ‘Kanadan kasvatit‘
My episode deals with multilingualism and multiculturalism and experiences in Montreal and Quebec that shaped my view of these. You can listen in on YLE Areena by clicking here.
YLE interview on Quebec, being Canadian, multilingualism & identity
July 11th, 2019 Posted by irina My Story, News | Announcements | Updates Continued: What we should have learned in school podcast w/ Amy Leo – Part 2
May 23rd, 2019 Posted by irina Interviews, Language
Amy and I talk about learning Finnish, languages and learning in general – a common interest we share, seeing as we’re both married to Finns. We had so much fun that we ended up doing a 2 part episode (under 20 mins each!). So here’s what we covered in part 2’s episode:
Read more...On the ‘What We Should Have Learned in School’ podcast w/ Amy Leo – part 1
May 19th, 2019 Posted by irina Interviews, Language
I recently sat down with Amy Leo from the What We Should Have Learned in School podcast to talk about learning Finnish. (My heart swooned when I heard the title of her podcast for the first time!!) We had so much fun that we ended up doing a 2 part episode
Read more...On the W8 podcast: my first Finnish interview!
May 12th, 2019 Posted by irina Interviews, My Story
About 6 months ago, Robson asked me to come on the W8 podcast, with him and Wille, to tell my story – in Finnish.
About 6 months ago, I wasn’t quite sure what my story was, let alone how to tell it in Finnish. So I waited a bit until I couldn’t wait anymore, and one day called Robson to say: “I’m ready. Let’s do it.”
Read more...Why we need Finnish Through New Eyes
April 21st, 2019 Posted by irina Language
Traditional methods of learning Finnish are failing us and we need a new paradigm of learning: one that’s fun & feels good, that’s centered around our needs as individuals. So what does seeing Finnish through new eyes look like? What does it ask us to leave behind, and how do we get there?
Read more...Why do so many of us struggle to learn Finnish?
April 12th, 2019 Posted by irina Language
Talk to anyone about why they’re struggling to learn Finnish and you’ll hear a variety of reasons. As someone who has struggled myself and has also helped others overcome this struggle, I have a slightly different take on why we struggle, and how we can re-frame the issue to overcome it.
Read more...How I became a Finnish Coach: Her Step Forward Podcast Interview
March 25th, 2019 Posted by irina Life, My Story
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with April and Amanda from the Her Step Forward podcast. We did a podcast episode on unconventional career choices (you can say that again), as well as how I ended up doing what I do! This is some stuff I’ve actually never shared publically before so I’m excited to put it out there. Here’s what we spoke about…
Read more...Follow your joy to keep growing & learning
January 23rd, 2019 Posted by irina Language
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.
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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. Read my story & more about what I do here.
