My Oulu: A New Mobile App to Support Finnish Language Learners
Sisko Brunni ja Anne Koskela presented the PuhuSuomea application also in Linnanmaa picnic event last May. Photo: Riikka-Maija Gardemeister
Jaa sosiaalisessa mediassa:
Have you recently started studying Finnish and want to practice more? There is available a new mobile application, which offers support to you as a Finnish language learner. The app has been created in collaboration with the University of Oulu in Finnish Language degree programme and Centre for Languages and Communication Lingua and City of Oulu Multicultural Centre Villa Victor.
One of the app’s main design features is that it allows learners of Finnish to practice their emerging language skills in genuine communication situations on campus and in various locations in the city centre. Full technical implementation of the application was carried out by students of information technology at the University of Oulu and Punos Mobile.
Displaying a map, the app indicates specific places in Oulu, such as the main library and some restaurants. Learners visit these places and interact with people, using their language skills in real-life situations. When running errands, learners speak Finnish either independently or with the help of ready-made phrases found in the application. In addition, the phrases can also be listened to.
Having visited a specific place, learners can request a QR code or record the visit on their phone. Certain language courses include visiting places and transacting in Finnish as part of course requirements. The app can be freely adapted by language learners and various organizations offering Finnish language training. Currently, the app is only available in the Play Store, where it can be downloaded for free.
