Finns’ interest in studying Russian under the influence of the Ukrainian invasion
THE RUSSIAN INVASION Ukraine has influenced those applying to study in Russia at the University of Tampere, the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland.
STT on Sunday reported some applicants chose not to take the entrance exam, while others refused to enter the programs. However, understanding the language and culture is important, especially in the mentioned prevailing situation Tomi Huttunenprofessor of Russian literature and culture at the University of Helsinki.
“Understanding the Russian language, culture and society is an important security policy resource when we think about influence campaigns or the possible weaponization of immigration,” he said.
“You shouldn’t create such an information wall where you don’t want to know what’s happening in Russia. We need to know what the main news is today, what is being written about Finland and how views on things are changing.
Sanna TuromaThe professor of Russian language and culture at the University of Tampere reminded the news agency that one of the goals of university studies is to develop the ability to critically evaluate different power structures. According to him, knowledge of the Russian language, culture and society are key skills for the future.
“Cultural interaction is the key to conflict prevention and resolution,” he stated.
He also emphasized that the Russian language has been important for the refugees from Ukraine, and it has proved to be helpful to the English language on several occasions.
“But you have to keep in mind that it is also the language of the enemy for many Ukrainians fleeing the war,” he added. “The Russian state takes advantage of the prevailing impression in Russia that Ukraine is Russia’s little cousin. Undermining the autonomy of the Ukrainian language and culture undermines the sovereignty of the Ukrainian state.”
The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) on August 8 reported that it has received a total of 35,074 applications for temporary protection from Ukrainians. According to Migri, a decision has not yet been made on approximately five percent of the applications.
On August 4, the total number of people in the reception system was an all-time record, more than 37,000 people.
Aleksi Teivainen – HT