Tietosanakirja

Tietosanakirja is a Finnish term for an encyclopedia, a reference work that presents articles on a wide range of subjects and is designed to convey knowledge and explanations rather than merely defining words. The word combines tieto, meaning knowledge, and sanakirja, meaning dictionary. In Finnish usage, tietosanakirja can refer to any comprehensive, structured reference work, whether printed or digital.

Historically, tietosanakirja has appeared in Finland since the 19th century as education systems expanded. Finnish publishers produced multi‑volume encyclopedias, some adapted from foreign editions and others authored by Finnish scholars. These works aimed at schools, libraries, teachers, and educated readers, compiling science, geography, culture, and history to support learning and public knowledge.

Typical features include alphabetically arranged articles, cross‑references, and illustrations or maps; entries vary from concise definitions to long essays; authorship may be indicated in some editions. Modern editions often integrate digital formats, search tools, and hyperlinks, and may be bilingual or multilingual to support broader study.

In contemporary Finland, the term tietosanakirja remains common for encyclopedic reference, and the concept has evolved with the internet. Online encyclopedias and databases serve as practical equivalents to traditional tietosanakirja, while the Finnish‑language Wikipedia is among the accessible sources that readers consult for broad background information.