Debate intensifies in Finland over Yle’s new Somali and Arabic broadcasts

The debate surrounding immigration in Finland intensified recently after Yle announced it would launch news broadcasts in Somali and Arabic. In Finland, there are approximately 40,000 Arabic speakers and 25,000 Somali speakers. Riikka Purra, the leader of the Finnish Party, expressed her disapproval during her appearance on Yle’s Ykkösaamu, questioning how the public broadcaster could afford to expand services amid the current economic situation. She suggested that better integration of immigrants would come from learning Finnish or Swedish rather than services in their native languages.

Other members of the Finnish Party echoed Purra’s sentiments, with MP Sanna Antikainen dismissing the initiative as a joke. Party chairman Jussi Halla-aho and parliamentary group leader Jani Mäkelä also quickly condemned the move. The new broadcasts are set to commence on Monday and will run for almost a year.

Hissu Kytö, who has supported immigrant women in Turku for decades, reacted strongly to Purra’s comments about “living in the manner of the country.” Kytö noted that understanding local news and customs is crucial for integration. While she agrees that newcomers should learn to live as Finns do, she believes starting their integration in their native language can facilitate the learning of a new language and culture.

Leila Sheik Abdulle, a Somali woman in her thirties, highlighted the challenges her elderly mother faces when learning Finnish. Abdulle is convinced that initial support in one’s mother tongue can accelerate the integration process. The International Organization for Migration also indicates that using one’s native language is a valuable resource during the early stages of integration. Abdulle hopes the new Yle broadcasts will provide information on Finnish politics, economics, and taxation.