On 6 December 2017 the University of Gdańsk’s Faculty of Languages (Neophilology building) witnessed celebrations for the centenary of Finnish independence. An exhibition “Itsenäisyyspäivä – the centenary of Finnish independence” was also staged in the main foyer.

First and third year students of Finnish sang the Finnish anthem and prepared presentations as well as traditional delicacies such as Karelian pasties and cakes.

Programme of events:

• Greeting guests
• Finnish national anthem
• Presentation about Mannerheim – Bartłomiej Jańczak
• Presentation about Finnish education – Alicja Artwińska, Michał Jagłowski
• Presentation about heavy metal music in Finland – Natalia Godlewska
• Presentation about a stay in Poland – Laura Santoo
• General knowledge quiz about Finland
• Song “Olen suomalainen”
• Refreshments.

The Laboratory of the Language, Culture and Economy of Finland at the University of Gdańsk is involved in cooperation with Finnish businesses in the Tri-City – Kemira and Metsa. Both businesses provide workplaces and professional development for future graduates of Scandinavian Studies specialising in the Finnish language, culture and economy. In May 2017 Metsa provided support for a scientific conference “Areas of Fennistics: language-culture-nation”, organised by the Laboratory on the occasion of the centenary of Finnish independence. A student session was also held, with renowned translators of Finnish literature Bożena Kojro and Sebastian Musielak as guests.

It is worth mentioning that, according to statistics, there are around 200 Finnish nationals residing permanently in Poland. The growing interest in tourism to Poland means that the number of Finns who are here temporarily is on the rise. So far, over 200 Finnish companies have invested in Poland and over 50 conduct a production business.

Today Finland “is one of the wealthiest and at the same time one of the most egalitarian, stable and innovative countries in the world” (Dziennik Gazeta Prawna /Daily Legal Newspaper). When asked by the newspaper as to the sources of Finnish success, Prof. Katarzyna Wojan, Head of the Laboratory of the Language, Culture and Economy of Finland at the University of Gdańsk replied: “For decades the country has been investing in science and the development of young generations. This of course calls for sizeable means and Finland has an exceptionally well-developed system of scholarships, subsidised textbooks and was one of the first countries to start to introduce computers into everyday life. But this investment is later paid back. Apart from this, education at all levels is focused on practice and all things which are really necessary”.

Tadeusz Zaleski