Finnish for non-nativesLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

After completing the study unit, students know their level of Finnish, how to develop their language skills independently in connection with their professional studies and after them. They identify and understand the differences in language depending on the circumstances in which it is used, in particular the difference between formal and informal language. Students know, understand and distinguish between different types of, sometimes complicated, reference texts of their field and the workplace, and they are able to paraphrase them. They can produce clear, coherent and context-bound text on topics related to their field and the work environment. The objective of the studies is to achieve such functional level of Finnish enabling students to cope with their studies, write their final project and maturity test in Finnish as well as work and develop in their profession and participate in the written interaction of Finnish work communities.

Content

Revision of grammatical structures. Rehearsal of structures typical in especially written documents and summaries. Understanding the situational variation of language, especially the use formal and informal Finnish. Reading, analysing, reporting and writing texts related to one’s own field and working life. Self-assessing one’s language and communication skills and developing learning strategies.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Structures typical in written documents
- The students’ vocabulary and grammar are sufficient for writing comprehensible and relatively flawless texts. They are familiar with the linguistic means for writing clear and coherent text.

Differences between formal and informal style
- The students identify the requirements and principles of register in different genres and take them into account their texts.

Understanding and composing field-specific and working life related texts
- The students can independently read fairly long texts on general and field-related topics. They identify the main points in a text. The students are able to compose texts required in their own field and in working life generally, and communicate information and their own views fluently.

Assessment and development of one’s own language skills
- The students receive feedback and make an effort to apply it in their writing.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Structures typical in written documents
- The students are able to use relatively complex sentence structures and linguistic means to write clear and coherent text. They have a relatively extensive knowledge of the terminology of their own field and working life related topics. Language errors may occur but do not cause misunderstandings.

Differences between formal and informal style
- The students are able to compose texts required in their own field and working life taking into account the demands of register.

Understanding and composing field-specific and working life related texts
- The students can independently read long texts related to their own field and working life. They are able to find the main points in a text and identify the purpose of the writer and the text. The students are able to write clear, detailed texts and express information and views precisely.

Assessment and development of one’s own language skills
- The students are able to assess their own language skills and propose development objectives.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Structures typical in written documents
- The students have a good command of grammar and an extensive vocabulary. Their ability to express themselves in writing is not restricted by inadequate language skills.

Differences between formal and informal style
- The students are able to compose texts required in their own field and working life taking into account the demands of register and style.

Understanding and composing field-specific and working life related texts
- The students are able to independently read a wide range of texts, even long and complex ones. They are able to summarise the main points and identify the writer’s attitude and the purpose of the text. The students are able to compose clear, detailed and well-structured texts required in their own field and working life. They express themselves efficiently.

Assessment and development of one’s own language skills
- The students are willing and able to develop their language skills purposefully.