rääkimis

rääkimis is an Estonian noun that refers to the act of speaking or a conversation between people. The term is derived from the verb rääkimine, meaning “to speak,” which itself comes from the older form rääk- that is rooted in proto‑Baltic‑Germanic linguistic traditions. In everyday Estonian it is used to describe both formal dialogues, such as negotiations or interviews, and informal exchanges, for example a friendly chat among friends.

The word can be combined with other terms to form compound nouns, such as kirjarsõnavara (written vocabulary) or kõneärtlikkus (articulation). In grammar, rääkimis is often linked with gendered or quantitative expressions—for instance, "hea rääkimise" (good speaking) or “mitme inimese rääkimisil” (conversation among several people). In Estonian culture, the concept of rääkimis encompasses not only the spoken word but also the social etiquette that governs turn‑taking, listening, and emotional tone. Traditional sayings such as “sõna kaks korda, ümbritsemad lood” (two words, surrounding thoughts) emphasize the importance of concise and considered communication.

In linguistic studies, researchers examine how rääkimis shapes identity in Estonian dialects and how digital platforms are influencing conversational norms. The evolving patterns of online messaging have introduced new slang and abbreviations that permeate everyday usage, demonstrating the dynamic nature of the term and its adaptability to contemporary media.