johdantoja

Johdantoja is the plural form of the Finnish noun johdanto, meaning introduction or lead-in. In Finnish writing and public speaking, johdantoja refer to opening sections that prepare the audience for what follows. They appear in diverse formats, such as books, articles, reports, speeches, and presentations, and their style ranges from concise to expansive depending on genre and purpose.

Etymology: The word johdanto derives from a root related to leading or guiding, combined with a suffix that forms a noun describing the act or part that leads into the main content. The plural form johdantoja is used when talking about multiple introductions or several instances across works.

Usage and function: In academic and journalistic contexts, a johdanto typically states the topic, questions, scope, and aims, and may outline the structure or methodology. In literary or speech contexts, it can set the tone, provide necessary background, and engage the audience. The expectations for what constitutes a good johdanto vary by field and audience.

See also: Related Finnish terms include esipuhe (foreword), which precedes a book, and alustus (an introductory briefing or setup). The tiivistelmä (abstract) serves a different function, summarizing content rather than introducing it.