Finnish American Heritage Center to offer Finnish language classes

The Copper Country is one of the few places in the United States where you can hear the Finnish language spoken in public on a regular basis. If you’ve ever wondered what those folks are saying, or wanted to join in their conversation, the Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) at Finlandia University is where you need to be this winter.

The FAHC is offering a pair of Finnish language classes this winter, beginning in early February. Each class will meet for 10 weeks, one hour per week, and students will have the opportunity to learn the language, or improve their existing language skills.

For people who have little or no background in the language, Tiina Sakari will lead a Beginning Finnish class on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., starting on February 7. Sakari often will tailor her lesson plan to the needs of the students; she has been leading this course for a number of semesters and is passionate about keeping the Finnish language relevant in the Copper Country.

Students with a bit more background in the Finnish language will surely enjoy the Intermediate/Advanced Finnish class, which will be offered on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., beginning on February 6. Veteran Finnish language instructor Anna Leppanen will lead the class, which has a goal of giving students the skills necessary to carry on a conversation in the Finnish language. Some language background is necessary to comfortably participate in this class. Leppanen has several years of experience in language instruction, both locally and at language seminars across the Midwest, and she is also eager to keep her native language a prominent feature of the Copper Country.

Each class is $50 per student for the 10-week session. A minimum of six students are necessary for the class to take place. All necessary class materials will be provided.

Advance registration is strongly encouraged but not necessary. To reserve your seats in either of these classes, call (906) 487-7549 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.