Erikielisiä

Erikielisiä is a Finnish-language term used in sociolinguistics and demographics to describe people who speak a language other than the majority language(s) of a given society as their home or primary language. In Finland, where Finnish and Swedish are the dominant official languages, erikielisiä typically refers to individuals or groups who use a language other than these core languages in daily life, at home, or in education and work. The word comes from eri- meaning “different” and kieli meaning “language,” with the adjectival suffix -inen and the plural inflection -isiä.

The term is encountered in statistical reports, academic research, and media discussions about linguistic diversity and integration. It encompasses a broad range of languages and can include first-, second-, or heritage-language speakers who regularly use a non-dominant language. It is not identical to immigration status and can include both foreign-born residents and native-born citizens who use another language.

Limitations of the label include its potential to be imprecise or overly broad. Since it depends on which languages are considered as reference points and the context in which it is used, erikielisiä can mask substantial linguistic variety within groups and may contribute to stigma if applied carelessly. Critics advocate for more precise categories that reflect actual language use, proficiency, and functioning in society.

Related terms include muunkieliset (speakers of other languages), maahanmuuttajataustaiset (immigration-background individuals), and broader discussions of multilingual populations.