Oikeakielinen

Oikeakielinen is a Finnish adjective used to describe language, text, or speech that adheres to standard Finnish orthography, grammar, and stylistic norms. In linguistic and editorial contexts it serves to distinguish normative or formal language from colloquial or dialectal forms.

Etymology and scope: oikea means correct or right, kieli means language, and the suffix -inen forms an adjective meaning “of language” or “characteristic of language.” Oikeakielinen tekstuuri typically implies correct spelling, proper punctuation, standard word forms, and sentence structure in accordance with established conventions.

Usage and standards: The concept is central in education, journalism, and language technology. Oikeakielisyys (the quality of being correct in language) refers to compliance with normative rules. In Finland, standards are maintained by institutions such as Kotimaisten kielten keskus (Kotus), which publishes orthographic conventions and style recommendations for Finnish. Writers, editors and translators often aim for oikeakielinen teksti to ensure clarity and mutual understanding across audiences.

Context and limitations: While the term signals adherence to standard Finnish, language is dynamic and varies by genre, register, and audience. Prescriptive views of oikeakielisyys coexist with descriptive approaches that document real language use. In practice, editors balance normative rules with domain-specific terminology and contemporary usage.

See also: oikeakielisyys, kotimaisten kielten keskus (Kotus), kielioppi, standardisuomen; puhekieli, murteet.