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Finnish-culture expert Richard Lewis claims that Finns are a ‘Cultural Lone Wolf’ because they are in Europe but they employ what Lewis calls ‘Asiatic communication patterns,’ typified by the use of body language and distinctive noises instead of words. Edward Dutton investigates the noises of the Finns.
1. ‘Oho!’ One of the most common Finnish noises, this is used to express surprise. However, it is not used to express intensely negative surprise. In this case, ‘Voi että’ would probably be used. Big reductions at Stockmann during ‘Crazy Days’ may be greeted with an ‘Oho!’ 2. ‘Joo (said with a sharp intake of breath)’. This is more frequent amongst older Finns and indicates something like, ‘I understand. Let’s move on slightly.’ The less talkative of two Finns having a chat may say ‘Joo’ twice while the chatty Finn explains something and then say ‘Joo (sharp intake of breath)’ on the third occasion to really emphasise that they have understood the point. ‘Joo (sharp in take of breath)’ can also be used by a Finn to say ‘Yes’ and at the same time make clear that the answer is just ‘Yes.’ The Finn has no desire to expand any further and may want to change the subject. The same thing can be found with some other words and phrases such as ‘No niin’ (‘anyway’) 3. ‘Ho-h Ho-h’. Usually in quite a high pitched tone, this seems to mean ‘I am tired’ or ‘I am hot’ or ‘I am hot and tired.’ A Finn might say ‘Ho-h Ho-h’ when they are sweaty after coming back from a jog in the summer. 4. ‘Hou-h Hou-h’ When said in a deep town of voice this means that you think somebody is not telling you the truth. 5. ‘I-Yaaa!’ This means, ‘I see!’ or ‘I understand!’ and expresses happiness at finally understanding what you’re talking about. 6. ‘I!’ A Finn says ‘I!’ when they are in pain. It is the Finnish equivalent of ‘Ow!’ 7. ‘HU-ey!’ A Finn says this when they think something is absolutely revolting. 8. ‘Hmm-hmm-hmm’. This is often noted amongst older female Finns. If the first two ‘hmm (s)’ are about the same pitch and the third ascending, descending and ascending again then satisfaction – with an element of triumph - is being expressed. The noise can currently be heard on a Finnish TV commercial for the low fat yoghurt ‘Vitalin’. 9. ‘Hoi!’ is used if something makes you jump, such as putting your foot in freezing cold water. 10. ‘Sniff’. It is common for many Finnish men to sniff rather than blow their noses. Sometimes this is done very loudly indeed. As women don’t seem to do it at all, it may be a way of expressing manliness. 11. The narrowing of the eyes (usually amongst older men) without saying anything seems to be the Finnish equivalent of saying ‘I don’t understand.’
12. ‘Hah?’ means ‘I’m sorry?’ or ‘Pardon?’ 13. Whispering when the saying the last word of a sentence. More usually found amongst women, this may be a way of saying something that might be seen as impolite or direct such as ‘We will leave’ but making it seem less unpleasant by whispering the last word. It may be the Finnish equivalent of using a more convoluted sentence to seem polite such as, ‘Ok, well . . . it’s getting a bit late and I guess we should probably think about going.’ Sometimes this last word involves a soft intake of breath as well.
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