Vaasa launches campaign to encourage conversations among residents

The city of Vaasa has launched a campaign encouraging residents to engage in conversations with strangers. According to the city, locals are not inherently shyer than others. However, a playful test conducted by Yle suggests otherwise; a journalist holding a “Talk to Me” sign in the Vaasa market attracted only five people over half an hour, compared to a similar effort in Kuopio, which drew a steady stream of visitors in just fifteen minutes.

In both cities, residents expressed that initiating conversation becomes easier once one gets started. Pekka Ilotalus, a communications professor from the University of Tampere, welcomes Vaasa’s initiative. He notes that while previous studies indicate that starting a conversation with a stranger can be challenging for Finns, they should not be labeled as quiet. Academic evidence suggests that Finns prefer discussing topics with acquaintances rather than unfamiliar individuals.

Isotalus highlights that stereotypes regarding reserved Finns are debated, finding that for some, conversing is easier than for others. He emphasizes that the tendency to avoid speaking with strangers may not always stem from shyness; often, it involves respect for personal space.

He has observed that Finnish conversational culture is evolving toward a more European style. In the past, educators had to encourage student participation, but now, young people are so engaged that facilitation often requires curbing their enthusiasm. This shift reflects broader societal changes and urbanization, which increase opportunities for interaction. However, the growing reliance on online interactions raises concerns about maintaining face-to-face communication skills. Isotalus warns that this trend could impact communication education in the future.