SuomiAreena 2022: Languages in the Nordic countries – what’s the role of Swedish in modern Nordic co-operation?

Historically, the Nordic countries have been linked culturally, linguistically, and politically. But how well do we really understand the Scandinavian languages today, and what does that say about our community? 

Within the Nordic Council of Ministers, work has begun on a new Nordic language declaration. The new language declaration will replace the previous one from 2006. One objective in the declaration from 2006 is that everyone in the Nordic Region should be able to communicate with each other, primarily in a Scandinavian language.  

What steps are needed to achieve this?  What efforts are needed to strengthen and improve Nordic language comprehension?                   

This discussion is hosted in collaboration with the Folkting. 

• Thomas Blomqvist, Finland’s Minister for Nordic Co-operation and Equality 
• Sara Kemetter, Ålandic politician and MP 
• Lulu Ranne, Vice-President of the Nordic Council and Swedish MP 
• Olli Salmi, director of EIT RawMaterials for the Nordic and Baltic region 

The moderator of the discussion is journalist and YLE’s Nordic correspondent, Kirsi Heikel.