lähdeperustaan

Lähdeperustaan is a Finnish term that translates literally to “source foundation” or “basis in sources.” It refers to the practice of grounding statements, arguments, or conclusions explicitly in cited evidence. The concept emphasizes that reliable information must be supported by verifiable references, whether they are books, articles, archival documents, or other trustworthy materials.

In Finnish academic and journalistic contexts, lähdeperustaan is regarded as a critical attribute of credible writing. Scholars are expected to provide clear citations, allowing readers to trace ideas back to their original origins. This practice promotes transparency, allows peer review, and guards against plagiarism. Lähdeperustaan is also a key requirement for contributions to collective knowledge platforms such as Wikipedia, where the Neutral Point of View policy relies on verifiability and the use of reliable sources.

The phrase can be used both literally and idiomatically. A researcher might say that a theory is “lähdeperustainen” to indicate that it is built upon a solid body of literature. Conversely, when criticizing an article, a reviewer may point out a lack of lähdeperustaan, meaning the piece fails to cite its foundations adequately.

Because the principle is tied to the broader movement for evidence-based communication, it intersects with disciplines such as information science and communication studies. In practice, adhering to lähdeperustaan means choosing reputable sources, citing them consistently, and ensuring that the cited material directly supports the claims made in the text.