The Dos and Don’ts of Finnish culture with a humorous view 

Comedy helped me to understand Finnish culture and customs, writes Iranian journalist Hamide Sedaghat.

In the first months of my arrival in Finland the ground was full of snow, cloudy gray sky and a different atmosphere of society. It was all strange for me. Then I came across “Aleksi himself” on YouTube; A Finn who introduces the audience in English, to the Finnish culture, lifestyle, and language. All with humor.  

When you come from a collectivist culture, knowing the differences is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to communicate properly in society. You may like starting a conversation with the person next to you on the bus, pet cute little children in a park, or when you see someone who needs help on the street, help her without her request.   

Therefore, as a newcomer who comes from a country with a large population and more collectivist culture, it was so important for me to learn about the Finnish definition of privacy, social distancing limits, touching limits, and the importance of silence in conversations. Also, acceptable Finnish behaviors in the street, restaurant, bus, and train. 

Comedians, by entering the inner and hidden layers of the culture, can express the customs of the society that may not be easy to access. Also, they can break cultural ice smoothly in a pleasant way for all society.  

For example, “Aleksi himself” in one of his videos on YouTube shows how leaving from the apartment can be challenging for Finns because they prefer not to have contact with their neighbors. For example, this means if there is someone in the corridor, they wait until that person goes far away. So, it is a cultural behavior and does not matter who it is – neighbor, Finn, or an immigrant!    

All this information made me realize the cultural differences between Finland and my home country. Instead of feeling discomfort and disappointment I now have a better understanding of what is happening. Therefore, by integrating my own cultural values with the new culture, I find ways for me and my family to adapt as much as possible.