I have moved and lived in different countries for most of my life, but it was only after I came to Helsinki that I felt a genuine eagerness to learn the local language: Finnish.

Now, Finnish has a reputation. It’s often considered one of the hardest languages in the world, with grammar that feels completely foreign when compared to English, or even to most languages. That’s why many newcomers hesitate to even try. Add to that the fact that Finnish people, specifically ones in Helsinki, speaks excellent English, and the pressure to learn drops even lower. It’s not surprising that many foreigners, even after years in Finland, still don’t feel comfortable with Finnish.

Yet, for me, something is different. I want to learn Finnish. And here’s why:

1. A language that sparks my curiosity

Finnish feels like a paradox to me. It doesn’t belong to the familiar Indo-European family of languages but instead comes from the Uralic branch. That means I can’t “guess” my way into understanding. Most of the time, when I see signs, announcements, or even advertisements in public spaces, I have absolutely no clue what they’re saying. Unlike with other (most) European languages, where I can at least guess the meaning, Finnish leaves me completely blank. And oddly enough, that very cluelessness sparks my curiosity. The further I am from understanding, the stronger my urge grows to unlock the mystery.

2. The small conversations that matter

Finnish people are often described as introverts. To be honest, that works well for me, I’m not a fan of small talk either. But still, I’ve noticed something surprising. In Helsinki, especially in service settings, people often start small, polite conversations, something I rarely experienced in other countries I’ve lived in. In some other places, service interactions even felt downright rude, which killed any motivation to pick up the language. Here, though, a cashier might make a lighthearted comment, or someone might exchange a friendly word while I’m shopping. When I can’t respond in Finnish, I feel like I’m missing out on a small but meaningful human connection. And that makes me want to learn, to not only understand but also to give back that friendliness, even if it’s just in a short exchange.

3. Unlocking the richness of local events

As a book lover, I’ve been amazed by how alive the reading culture is in Finland. Libraries here are buildings books as well as they’re vibrant community spaces, buzzing with energy. Beyond that, there are book clubs, literary gatherings, and cultural events that celebrate reading in ways I’ve never seen before. Most of these events are in Finnish. Understandably so, of course, but it means I can’t fully join in unless I learn the language. And I really want to because behind that language barrier is a world of stories, conversations, and experiences that I don’t want to miss.

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For me, learning Finnish is more about curiosity, connection, and culture. It’s about being able to read a banner in the street without confusion, to share a warm response in everyday encounters, and to step fully into the rich book culture that Helsinki has to offer.

And so, even if Finnish is a challenge, I’m trying to take it on. Wish me luck!