Finland in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest Posted by Stephen Maconi on May 11, 2012 in Culture, Swedish Language
How does Finland have anything to do with Sweden?
Well, first-off, the two countries neighbor each other, even though most of the “border” between them is actually the Gulf of Bothnia (Bottniska viken in Swedish). Secondly, the Swedish language is one of Finland’s two official languages – the other being, of course, Finnish. There is a large Swedish-speaking minority in Finland – in digits, about 290,000 native Swedish speakers, or 5,3% of Finland’s total population. The type of Swedish they speak is known as Finland Swedish, or finlandssvenska. (Aside from that, Swedish is a required subject in Finnish schools from the 7th grade.)
For this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, the Finns have chosen a song in Swedish to represent Finland. The singer, Pernilla Karlsson, speaks native Finland Swedish. Those of you who are familiar with Sweden Swedish now have a great opportunity to hear real, native Finland Swedish in action. Here is När jag blundar (When I close my eyes) by Pernilla Karlsson. Music and lyrics by her brother, Jonas Karlsson.
Here are the lyrics so you can follow along. I have also translated them into English for you.
| Swedish | English translation |
| Tätt intill, doften av oss två Vänder sig om, samma skjorta i blå Doften jag känner vore inget utan dig |
Close to you, the scent of us two It turns around, the same shirt in blue This scent I’m sensing would be nothing without you |
| Som en sjö utan vatten, som en lykta utan ljus Ett liv utan färger, det är inte du Nå’n man ser då man blundar, som en ängel framför Nå’n som hjälper en och flyga då man glömt hur man gör |
Like a lake without water, like a lamp without light A life without color – That’s not you Someone you see when you close your eyes, like an angel before you Someone who helps you to fly when you’ve forgotten how |
| Kär utan känslor eller skratta utan ljud Ett liv utan färger, det är inte du Nå’n som glömt alla bekymmer, en kvinna med mod Nå’n som fattar vad man säger fast man talar utan ord |
In love without feelings or laughing without sound A life without color – That’s not you Someone who has forgotten all worries, a woman with courage Someone who understands what you’re saying, even though you speak without words |
| Sätt dig ner, vi håller din hand Berätta vem du är, vi finns för varann Alla minnen vore inget utan dig |
Sit down, we’re holding your hand Tell us who you are; we’re here for each other All these memories would be nothing without you |
(P.S. The song is written for their mother.)
Enjoy the music!
Source for statistics: Finska Statistikcentralen
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About the Author: Stephen Maconi
Stephen Maconi has been writing for the Transparent Swedish Blog since 2010. Wielding a Bachelor's Degree in Swedish and Nordic Linguistics from Uppsala University in Sweden, Stephen is an expert on Swedish language and culture.
Comments:
Daniel:
Wow, amazing! Glad I clicked this.
Eva-Maria:
Also, Sweden and Finland were united as one country for more than 600 years until Sweden lost it to Imperial Russia in 1809 during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800s.In that same process the Swedish king was forced to abdicate and late Marshal Bernadotte in the French army was elected Crown Prince and later king of Sweden. Finland became independent in the early 1900s.
Judy:
Vackert låt!