More often than not, when a Finn and Hungarian cross paths, there’s an undeniable connection as they share a unique bond through their languages. Conversations would then revolve around fascinating titbits, like reminiscing about visits to each other’s capital cities or bonding over a mutual love for motorsports, especially discussing Finnish Formula 1 drivers tearing up the Hungaroring. Finnish might recall stories about hen and stag dos or thermal baths in Budapest, and Hungarians would proudly show off that they know that Santa Claus in Finnish is called Joulupukki.
My first introduction to Finland and FInnish culture was in primary school through the Kalevala. Growing up, I kept hearing names like Kimi Räikkönen, Jari-Matti Latvala, Heikki Kovalainen, or Alexander Stubb in the news, alongside insights into Finland’s renowned education system. Then, I read some of Mika Waltari’s novels, but only after I began visiting Finland was I connecting with their sentiment truly.
Today, I live in Helsinki. I have lived here for over a year now, but I have spent every major holiday in Finland over the past few years. Here is what I learned about Finnish culture as a Hungarian.
But before delving into it, I will say that this post does not aim to provide an exhaustive analysis but rather to spark curiosity and appreciation for cultural diversity. I also appreciate the vast diversity within Finland itself, recognising that regional variations, such as the distinct communication style of Savo, for example, exist and may not necessarily align with the broader Finnish cultural norms. Hence, I will primarily focus on contrasting the capital cities, Budapest and Helsinki. Furthermore, it is essential to emphasise that comparing two cultures from a non-scientific perspective is an intricate process subject to individual experiences. So, this is essentially a recollection of my observations about the Finnish and Hungarian languages, communication styles, and workplace cultures.
As someone learning Finnish, I have often heard people say, “You are Hungarian, so Finnish must be a piece of cake for you.” Well, not exactly. Finnish is the first language I am tackling in English, which adds an extra layer of complexity. But admittedly, I have found that trying to understand Finnish through Hungarian can lead to many more “eureka” moments.
Britannica defines Finnish and Hungarian as languages belonging to the Finno-Ugric family, a subset of the larger grouping known as Uralic languages. These languages share some(!!!) similarities in grammar and vocabulary and historical roots within the Uralic language family. Since they evolved separately for centuries, both languages have unique sounds, words, and grammar rules.
To my Hungarian ear, Finnish sounds peculiar and unfamiliar with the rhythm potentially reminiscent of Japanese when I zone out. Distinct sound structure and clusters of consonants (Kamppi is a tongue twister for me) make a significant difference from Hungarian. Sure, the use of suffixes, vowel harmony, some similar sounds like y=ü or ö, and those couple of common ancient words like “vér=veri” or “jég=jää” do provide a slight advantage in language acquisition. Yet, I find Finnish grammar more complex, particularly the extensive case system. Nevertheless, everyone’s language journey is unique, and how fast one can master a new language can vary depending on individual factors such as skills, linguistic background, and exposure.
The best advantage for me turned out to be the privilege of living in Finland. This constant exposure has undoubtedly accelerated my language learning. Language is part of cultural identity, and knowing it allows observing a nation from a little closer. In my case, from very close. While watching Finns interact, express themselves, and work together, I couldn’t not compare them to Hungarians. I also tried to understand how language defines national identity and creates cultural differences that shape social interactions, workplace etiquette, and business customs in Finland and Hungary. Here is what I noticed.
Finnish:
- Egalitarianism and inclusivity. No grammatical gender and hierarchical pronouns create a sense of equality in communication. Therefore, Finnish workplaces promote equality, collaboration, and a flat hierarchy.
- Minimalism and simplicity. Finnish people value clarity, directness, and efficient communication. And that means it is OK to be quiet at times. It is no different in business settings. The Finnish language’s straightforward structure leaves no room for small talk or rounds of “How are you? Good! You? Good! You? Good!”.
- Sisu. Finland is a productive nation driven by efficient work processes, a strong work ethic, and an emphasis on innovation and quality. This reputation they earned naturally; however, Finnish people tend to be modest and understated about their accomplishments, preferring not to boast about them wherever they go.
- Low population density. Personal space and privacy are valuable, and the vast forests make isolation possible, so Finns may seem reserved upon first meeting.
- Well-being, nature, and sauna. Finns appreciate flexibility and a healthy work-life balance, with access to generous holidays and parental leave policies.
Hungarian:
- Resilience and perseverance. The Hungarian language reflects the nation’s turbulent history, with Turkic, Slavic, and Germanic influences. That is why Hungarians also have a reputation for being resourceful and inventive, so practicality in professional and personal interactions is often a priority.
- Spiritedness and expressiveness. Hugs, kisses, or firm handshakes are typical greetings. Conversation tends to be louder and more animated, with interruptions and overlapping speech considered normal.
- Tradition and pride. Hungarian workplaces may have more hierarchical structures, and addressing managers by surnames and using hierarchical pronouns is normal. Personal relationships, connections, and networking play a significant role in and out of the workplace.
- An emerging market. Hungary maintains a moderate level of productivity, influenced by its economy, labour market policies, and investment in technology and infrastructure, among others. Overtime is prevalent, especially in roles that require additional flexibility or demand. On a more positive note, the country has recently started slowly moving towards recognising the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life commitments.
Comparison is not about who is better or worse but about celebrating the unique attributes that define each nation. As I write this text– while navigating the complexities of language learning and cultural adaptation– I realise that understanding different cultures is not straightforward. It is an ongoing exploration shaped by personal experiences and perspectives. I have so far only attempted to scratch the surface. As a Hungarian from Budapest, I brought an appreciation for city living, vibrant culture, and history to Helsinki. I have yet to replicate similarly strong connections and a sense of community as at home. And, of course, somehow tackle the challenges in adapting the Finnish language because that is my gateway to society. Thankfully, my previous international experiences and personality make it easy to adjust to differences in social norms, communication styles, and daily routines between Budapest and Helsinki. The most I can do is continue to embrace the opportunity and practice empathy and curiosity in this never-ending journey of cultural discovery.
Photo 1 by Arttu Päivinen on Unsplash
Photo 2 by Daniel Olah on Unsplash
