Immigrants say shared cultural events aid integration in Finland

A study published this week shows that cultural events help immigrants learn Finnish or Swedish, as well as Finnish customs, values and how society works, Yle reports. Immigrants interviewed for the study said they wanted more shared events and opportunities to meet Finnish people, rather than separate activities for different groups.

The E2 Research study found that cultural service providers could play a greater role in integration. Burhan Hamdon, executive director of the Hakunila International Association, which organises cultural activities, said such services offer immigrants a safe way to learn about Finnish society and meet Finnish people in informal settings.

Hamdon, who is from Syria and has lived in Finland for 37 years, said cultural events allow immigrants to learn how Finns spend their free time, what they value, how they behave and how society operates.

Understanding Finnish society and local customs also emerged in the study. Research director Ville Pitkänen gave the example of an immigrant volunteer who was surprised that everyone at an event, from the leader to the assistants, was expected to help clean up afterwards.

Nearly 90 per cent of respondents said cultural events make their municipality a more pleasant and attractive place to live. Seventy per cent said the events strengthen their sense of connection with other people living in the same municipality.

Libraries were the most-used cultural service among respondents, followed by cinemas, concerts, festivals, and museums and art exhibitions.

Hamdon said events should be organised jointly for everyone rather than targeted at separate groups. In his experience, shared events allow immigrants to hear Finnish in natural situations and learn words and expressions that are not always taught on language courses.

“People dare to speak because the atmosphere is relaxed, and contacts are formed that strengthen language use,” he said.

More than 60 per cent of respondents said they had found new friends or acquaintances while taking part in cultural services or events, Pitkänen said.

The online survey was conducted in April and May and received responses from nearly 600 first-generation immigrants. The researchers also interviewed 23 cultural service providers and 25 first-generation immigrants in different life situations. The interviews included providers from Helsinki, Vantaa, Tampere, Oulu and Kuopio.

Tatjana Nikkanen, a student and trainee at the Hakunila International Association, said she wanted more joint events and activities for Finnish people and immigrants. She said these could help immigrants integrate, participate and feel more connected to Finnish culture.

Nikkanen moved to Finland from Russia 23 years ago. She said she learned the language at a youth centre after meeting Finnish young people there.