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From Sweden to Russia: Thinking about “nation” in Finland

Maiko Yoshida, 3rd year doctoral student, Graduate Graduate School of Letters, Arts and Sciences

I am researching Finnish history. What do you think of when you hear Finland? Sauna, Marimekko or Moomin? Even among those who think of Moomin, I think that few of them know that Moomin was written in Swedish. Actually, Finland has two national languages (Finnish and Swedish). This is related to the fact that Finland was once part of the Kingdom of Sweden.

Although Finland was incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1809, it was allowed to maintain the laws and religion of the Kingdom of Sweden, and Swedish was also used as the language of government and education. Therefore, while many people spoke Finnish, many people who received higher education and became officials and teachers spoke Swedish on a daily basis. However, gradually in Finland, among Swedish-speaking intellectuals, the idea of ``a nation based on the Finnish language'' was expressed. Opposition to this, and alternative ideas for a diverse "Finnish Nation" (for example, a bilingual nation based on a common history and homeland) also emerged among Swedish-speaking intellectuals. I aim to clarify the process of their discussions, paying attention not only to changes in Finnish society but also to changes in the Russian Empire as a whole.

A scene from the Christmas market in Helsinki, Finland. I went there with a friend while studying abroad.

I first became interested in Finnish history when I attended a lecture in the Western History course School of Humanities and Social Sciences. I happened to have the opportunity to hear about Finland in the 19th century, and I felt that the Finnish case would be interesting for thinking about the issue of "nations," so I decided to make it the topic of Bachelor's Thesis. However, in order to research Finland in the 19th century, I needed to be able to read at least Finnish and Swedish, and since I had no knowledge of either at the time, I was unable to research as much as I wanted. Originally, my dream was to become a high school world history teacher, and I had no intention of continuing research, but I decided to go to graduate school because I didn't want to leave any regrets behind.

A newspaper published in Finland in the mid-19th century. Of course, there are many historical materials that cannot be obtained without visiting the site, but there are also many historical materials that can be viewed on the website.

During my master's program, I received support from Tobitate! Study Abroad Japan (*) and studied abroad at the University of Helsinki in Finland. In addition to language classes, lectures on Finnish history, and seminars, I also had an intense time living with two international students who were studying literature and anthropology at graduate school (by the way, our common language was Finnish). All three of us were from Asia, so during the coronavirus outbreak, other international students in our dormitory started harassing us, and it was difficult to resolve the issue. However, one day, when I returned home, I found the removed doorbell and screw on the desk in the living room. I was surprised by their bold idea of removing the doorbell itself, and I was impressed by their stamina. I continue to be inspired by these women who continue their research in their respective fields even after returning to Japan.

(*) A study abroad promotion campaign developed by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Technology through public-private collaboration.

I entered the doctoral program and although my language skills and knowledge have improved compared to when I first started, I am acutely aware of my own inexperience every time I come face to face with historical materials. I often feel depressed because I can't see this in a positive light as room for growth, but I still feel great joy when I make new discoveries from the historical materials I've read patiently and with all my might. While I am grateful for the environment I have been placed in, I would like to continue my research with sincerity, one step at a time, toward the completion of Doctoral Dissertation.

Daily Schedule

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  Sometimes I want to eat abura soba from “Zuboshi” near Waseda Campus.

  06:30 Wake up, stretch, breakfast

• 08:00 Research at home (read historical materials and research literature, write papers)
• 11:30 Lunch
• 13:00 Work as LA (Learning Assistant) at university
• 18:30 Dinner
• 20:00 Language exchange with a friend whose native language is Finnish (once a week via Zoom)
• 22:00 Bathing etc.
• 23:30 Bedtime (I try to go to bed before the date changes if possible)

A look at the language exchange that takes place once a week. I'm grateful because I don't usually have a chance to speak Finnish.