Finnish belongs to the Finnic branch of the Finno-Ugric family of languages. There are approximately 5.2 million Finnish speakers, mostly in Finland, and some in Sweden and Russia as well. There are 3 varieties of standard Finnish: "kirjakieli" or “book language” which is used in official documents, official speeches and the daily news; "yleiskieli" or “standard language” which is taught in schools - formal and correct, though more relaxed than the "book language"; and "puhekieli" or "spoken language" which is a frequently changing, more casual variety used in everyday conversation. This course teaches the standard Finnish language, "yleiskieli."
The Pimsleur® Method: the easiest, fastest way to learn a new language. Completely portable, easily downloadable, and lots of fun. You’ll be speaking and understanding in no time flat! Each lesson of Finnish Phase 1, Units 01-05 provides 30 minutes of spoken language practice, with an introductory conversation, and new vocabulary and structures. Detailed instructions enable you to understand and participate in the conversation. Each lesson contains practice for vocabulary introduced in previous lessons.