peruslähtökohtana

Peruslähtökohtana is a Finnish phrase used to frame a discussion by presenting a baseline assumption or initial position. The expression roughly means “as a basic starting point” or “as the baseline,” and is commonly employed at the outset of an analysis, argument, or plan to anchor the following reasoning.

Grammar and etymology: The term combines perus- meaning basic or fundamental with lähtökohta meaning starting point. The suffix -na turns the compound into an adverbial expression meaning “as” or “in the role of.” In use, it functions as an introductory modifier, often placed at the beginning of a clause: Peruslähtökohtana voidaan pitää… or Peruslähtökohtana on….

Usage and function: The phrase signals that subsequent discussion rests on stated premises or conditions. It is frequent in academic writing, research methodology, policy analysis, and project planning. By naming a baseline, it helps clarify what assumptions or data the argument relies on and what will be evaluated against that baseline.

Examples:

- Peruslähtökohtana voidaan pitää oletusta siitä, että tutkimus populationin osallistuminen on edellytys tulosten yleistettävyyteen. (As a basic starting point, one can assume that participation in the study is essential for the generalizability of the results.)

- Peruslähtökohtana on se, että resurssit ovat rajoitetut, mikä vaikuttaa sekä aikatauluihin että toteutettavien vaihtoehtojen valintaan. (The basic starting point is that resources are limited, affecting both timelines and the selection of possible options.)