Lähdeluetu

Lähdeluetu is a Finnish term used to describe the perceived priority or weighting given to a source in the process of reporting, analysis, or argumentation. The word blends lähde (source) and etu (advantage, priority) and is typically used in discussions about information credibility and citation practices.

The term appears mainly in Finnish-language discussions within media studies, journalism ethics, and information literacy. It is used to describe how the credibility, proximity, or authority of a source affects the presentation and interpretation of information, including what is included, how claims are framed, and how much weight is given to certain statements.

In practice, a lähdeluetu source is considered to carry more authority and thus influences the narrative or conclusions more strongly than less prominent sources. In journalism, this can affect story framing, the selection of quotes, and the attribution of claims. In academic and research contexts, it can refer to prioritizing primary or official sources over secondary summaries to reduce distortion and improve traceability.

There is debate around the concept, as overreliance on a single lähdeluetu source can introduce bias or narrow perspective. Discussions often emphasize transparency about source selection and weighting, as well as balancing credibility with diversity of viewpoints to avoid overemphasis on a single authority.

The term is not widely codified in formal dictionaries and tends to be used descriptively within Finnish-speaking discourse. Its precise meaning can vary by context, making it a flexible label for analysing how sources influence information presentation. See also: source credibility, primary sources, citation bias.