Russian language enrollment plummets at University of Eastern Finland amid shifting public attitudes

Russian language proficiency in Finland is rapidly declining, with a notable lack of interest among the youth in studying the language. This autumn, only seven students enrolled as Russian language majors at the University of Eastern Finland, despite 25 available spots. Professor Larisa Leisiö finds this situation particularly alarming, as only one of the new students has Russian roots. “This is problematic because the whole program exists for Finns to learn the Russian language and culture,” she states.

The number of Russian language students at the university has significantly decreased. For instance, out of nine who accepted positions this fall, only seven actually began their studies, as one delayed their start and another dropped out early.

Karoliina Keskitalo, who is in her sixth year studying Russian, has personally witnessed how the war in Ukraine has shifted public attitudes. She notes, “I’ve been asked how I can study Russian. It’s not obvious to everyone that studying the language doesn’t mean supporting the war.”

The outbreak of the Ukraine war was a shock to Russian language students; job prospects in tourism and trade previously promoted seem lost for the foreseeable future. Keskitalo estimates that out of around 25 students who started with her, only six to seven have continued to pursue their master’s degrees. However, she does not regret her choice and believes in the continuing value of her expertise.

Professor Leisiö warns that with the decline in language skills, Finland may also lose its understanding of its neighbor, which could pose problems in the future. She advocates for expanding language training to include languages of Eastern Slavic nations, suggesting future relevance in areas like post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.