Viestittelyä

Viestittelyä is a Finnish term that broadly translates to "messaging" or "communication through messages." It encompasses a wide range of communication methods where individuals exchange information or interact using written or symbolic messages, rather than direct verbal speech. This can include sending letters, postcards, telegrams, emails, text messages, instant messages, and even communicating through social media platforms.

Historically, viestittelyä involved physical mail services, requiring time for delivery. The advent of telecommunications brought about faster forms like telegrams and eventually telephone calls, which, while verbal, also involve the transmission of messages. The digital age has revolutionized viestittelyä, with the rise of email and instant messaging making communication nearly instantaneous and accessible globally. This has led to new forms of etiquette and shorthand, often referred to as netiquette or textspeak.

The purpose of viestittelyä can vary greatly, from personal correspondence and maintaining relationships to professional communication, business transactions, and the dissemination of information. It allows for asynchronous communication, meaning individuals do not need to be available at the same time to exchange messages. This flexibility is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from synchronous forms of communication like face-to-face conversations or phone calls. The term emphasizes the act of sending and receiving messages as the primary mode of interaction.