Spring semester language classes begin next week at Finnish American Heritage Center

Whether you don’t even know how to pronounce “sauna,” or if you used to have full conversations with your Finnish immigrant grandmother, the Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) has just the class for you this semester.

The FAHC is offering three levels of Finnish language this term, all of which are led by Tiina Sakari, an Atlantic Mine resident who’s passionate about the language of her ancestors. Sakari has instructed Finnish language at the Heritage Center for the past several years and is eager to share her passion with folks this semester as well.

Beginning Finnish, a course designed for people with little or no previous knowledge of the Finnish language, begins at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 12. The class will meet for one hour per evening for ten consecutive Tuesdays. Through this course, students will receive an introduction to Finnish language and culture. Registration for Beginning Finnish is $50 per person.

Sakari will also teach a course titled Intermediate Finnish, which is intended for people with some further experience with the language. During this 10-week course, which begins Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m., students will learn basic grammar, write simple sentences and delve into reading Finnish. This class will also meet for about one hour each week. Registration for Intermediate Finnish is $50 per person.

And for those who are comfortable with their Finnish language conversation abilities, but are looking to fine-tune their skills, Sakari will lead a Finnish conversation group, which will gather on Wednesday afternoons at 5:15 p.m., beginning February 13. This group is intended for those who are looking for an opportunity to regularly use their existing Finnish language skills with others who have a similar interest in Finnish language, history and culture. Interested participants can join this group for $30 per person.

Advance registration is appreciated but not required, as walk-ins will be accepted on the first day of class.

For further information about the Finnish American Heritage Center and its enrichment opportunities, call (906) 487-7549.