lähteviin

Lähteviin is a term used in Finnish-language discussions of information sourcing and media literacy to describe an orientation toward tracing information back to its original sources and documenting provenance throughout its lifecycle. It is a coined term or neologism rather than a formal concept with established standards.

Definition and core ideas

Lähteviin emphasizes transparent provenance, complete citation trails, and a preference for primary sources. It encourages authors to specify where information originated, how it was obtained, and how it was verified. The approach aims to improve verifiability, accountability, and the ability for others to reproduce or audit sourcing decisions.

Origins and usage

The term has appeared in Finnish online discussions, classroom materials, and editorial guidance in recent years, particularly in conversations about information literacy, journalism ethics, and academic sourcing. It is not universally standardized within formal Finnish scholarly vocabulary, but is used to describe a common-sense ideal of rigorous source-tracing in practice.

Applications

In journalism, lähteviin can guide editors to require clear source chains and documented verification steps. In academia, it resonates with principles of source criticism and reproducible research. In public communication, it supports fact-checking and accountability by making provenance explicitly visible to readers.

Criticism and limitations

Some critics argue that the concept can be ill-defined or burdensome in fast-moving contexts, potentially leading to an emphasis on provenance over substantive accuracy. Its adoption and interpretation vary across disciplines, languages, and publishing cultures.

Related concepts

Provenance, source criticism, citation practices, and information literacy are closely connected to lähteviin.