Oikeakieliset

Oikeakieliset is a Finnish sociolinguistic term used to describe speakers who adhere to normative or standard Finnish, often referred to as kirjakieli, in formal communication. The concept contrasts with nonstandard or colloquial varieties such as puhekieli and regional dialects. In discussions about language ideology, education, and media, oikeakieliset are associated with prescriptive norms regarding spelling, grammar, and pronunciation, and with aiming for clarity and mutual intelligibility in public discourse.

Historically, standard Finnish was developed and codified during the 19th and 20th centuries through dictionaries, grammars, and language planning connected to national identity. Today, the distinction between oikeakieliset and speakers of regional or informal varieties remains salient in schools, official communication, and mass media. The idea of being oikeakielinen is often linked to social factors such as education, age, and region, and can intersect with issues of social inequality, as some dialects and minority language forms are perceived as less prestigious.

Contemporary language policy in Finland seeks to balance standardization with linguistic diversity. While official communication and formal education emphasize standard Finnish, there is recognition of the value of dialects and other language varieties for cultural identity and accessibility. The term oikeakieliset thus sits within broader debates about prescriptivism, language rights, and how best to sustain effective communication without marginalizing speakers of nonstandard varieties.