Oikoluvun

Oikoluvun is a Finnish term referring to the practice of proofreading. It describes the process of examining a written text before publication to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, capitalization, typography, and consistency of terminology. The noun oikoluku denotes the act itself; oikoluvun is the genitive form used when discussing the concept as a field or object, for example "oikoluvun periaatteet" or "oikoluvun tavat".

Scope and goals: The aim is to produce a text that is clear, correct, and coherent with the chosen style. Oikoluku can involve line-by-line language correction, verification of proper names, dates, numbers, and units, and ensuring consistency across the document. In non-fiction and professional publishing, factual checks may be handled separately, while proofreading focuses on language and presentation.

Process and practice: Oikoluku is typically performed after copyediting and before final layout. A trained proofreader checks language at sentence level, corrects errors, and ensures consistency with a chosen style guide. Finnish guidelines from Kotimaisten kielten keskus (Kotus) and the Kielitoimiston ohjeet provide references for orthography and usage. In digital workflows, automated spell checkers assist but do not replace human proofreading, which handles nuance, tone, and factual consistency where relevant.

History and relevance: The concept developed with print publishing in the 19th century and remains central in modern publishing, including online media and self-publishing. As digital workflows evolve, oikoluku combines traditional proofreading techniques with automated checks to ensure texts meet linguistic and stylistic expectations.