Finlandssvensk

Finlandssvensk, also known as Finnish Swedish, is a minority language spoken by the Finland Swedes, an ethnic minority in Finland. It is a Central Swedish dialect, closely related to the Swedish dialects spoken in southern Sweden. The language is used in various domains, including education, media, and everyday communication within the Finland Swedish community.

The Finland Swedes are primarily concentrated in the western and southern regions of Finland, with the largest concentrations in the cities of Turku, Pori, and Rauma. The language has been influenced by Finnish, the official language of Finland, due to centuries of cultural and linguistic interaction between the two groups.

Finlandssvensk has its own alphabet, which is based on the Swedish alphabet but includes additional letters to represent sounds unique to Finnish. The language has a rich literary tradition, with notable authors such as Hella Wuolijoki and Arvid Järnefelt contributing to its development.

Despite its historical and cultural significance, Finlandssvensk faces challenges due to language shift and assimilation pressures. Efforts are being made to preserve and promote the language through language schools, media outlets, and cultural events. The Finnish government recognizes Finlandssvensk as a minority language, providing some support for its preservation and use. The language's future remains uncertain, but ongoing initiatives aim to ensure its continued existence and vitality within the Finland Swedish community.