kirjoitustavassa

Kirjoitustavassa refers to the traditional Finnish script used for writing the Finnish language before the introduction of the modern Latin-based alphabet in the 18th century. This script, also known as *runotavussa* or *kirjoitustavussa*, was a modified version of the runic alphabet, specifically the Younger Futhark, adapted for use in Finnish. It was primarily used in medieval Finland, particularly in religious and legal texts, as well as in inscriptions on stone monuments.

The script consisted of 24 characters, including both consonants and vowels, with some symbols representing sounds unique to Finnish. Unlike the Latin alphabet, which is now standard, the runic script was written from right to left, similar to how the Younger Futhark was traditionally used. The most famous example of this script in Finland is found on the *Kylmäkoski runestone*, discovered in 1872 in the village of Kylmäkoski, Finland. This stone, dated to around the 13th century, contains one of the earliest known Finnish inscriptions in the runic script.

The use of kirjoitustavussa declined significantly after the Reformation in the 16th century, as the Lutheran Church promoted the Latin alphabet for its simplicity and familiarity. By the 17th century, the script had largely fallen out of use, replaced by the Latin alphabet in Finnish writing. Today, kirjoitustavussa is primarily studied by linguists and historians as a historical artifact, offering insights into early Finnish language and culture. Efforts to revive or modernize the script have not gained widespread traction, as the Latin alphabet remains the standard for written Finnish.