keskustelu

Keskustelu is a Finnish noun meaning a discussion or a conversation. It can refer to an exchange of ideas between people, a casual chat, or a more structured discussion in a meeting or public forum. The nuance depends on context: keskustelu often implies dialogue and mutual exchange rather than a one-sided speech, while terms like väittely emphasize argument or dispute.

Etymology and form: Keskustelu is derived from the verb keskustella, meaning to discuss or converse, with the noun-forming suffix -lu that denotes the act or process. It is a neutral, widely used word in both formal and informal language.

Usage: Keskustelu appears in singular as keskustelu and in plural as keskustelut. Typical forms include genitive keskustelun and partitive keskustelua. Phrases include avoin keskustelu (open discussion), verkkokeskustelu (online discussion), keskustelutilaisuus (discussion event). Verbs commonly linked to it are käydä keskustelua (to have a discussion) and jatkua keskusteluna (to continue as a discussion). It is a core term in education, media, politics, and everyday talk.

Related terms: keskustelukanava or keskustelupalsta describe channels or forums for discussion, while keskusteluaihe refers to the topic of discussion. The word is often contrasted with väittely (debate) to indicate a more collaborative versus adversarial exchange.

Overall, keskustelu denotes a communicative process of exchanging views, ideas, or information, spanning informal chats to organized, formal discussions in various settings.