Kielivalinnat ja kielenvaihtaminen ensikielisten ja ei-ensikielisten suomenpuhujien keskusteluissa – Kyselytutkimus

Immigration into Finland has increased in recent years. Learning Finnish is essential for integrating
into Finnish society. We investigated L1 Finnish speakers’ language choices and language
switching in everyday conversations with L2 Finnish speakers, and their reasoning for these
choices. The data were gathered in an online survey with 358 respondents. The majority of L1
Finnish speakers reported starting conversations with L2 Finnish speakers in Finnish. However,
95% of respondents also reported switching the language of the conversation to English. The
reported reasons were efficiency, speed, politeness and the desire to help. Most respondents
also assumed that L2 Finnish speakers would react positively to the language switch. The
results outline the need for mutual agreement on language choice and switching in everyday
discussions. L1 Finnish speakers should understand the importance of offering possibilities to
speak Finnish speakers should understand the importance of offering possibilities to speak
Finnish to facilitate language learning and to ensure equality in discussions and aid participation
in Finnish society