What do Finnish, Meänkieli and Kven have in common? And why can Swedish language skills open doors to new networks across the North Calotte region?
Join the Roots Café language cafés!
In this language café series organised by the Roots and Future project, participants explore the unique linguistic and cultural heritage of the North Calotte in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. The cafés bring together Finnish, Swedish, Meänkieli from the Torne Valley, and the Kven language spoken in Northern Norway. Conversations move between languages, and perfect language skills are not required. Curiosity and willingness to learn are important.
Many participants are surprised to discover how closely related Finnish, Meänkieli and Kven are. At the same time, Swedish serves as an important bridge connecting different parts of the North Calotte. By learning to understand these languages and their connections, you gain new tools for communication, cooperation and networking across national borders.
Most of the language cafés are held online via Zoom, making it easy to join from anywhere. The series also includes a special Roots Café in Luleå during the project’s study trip, where languages and cultures come together face-to-face.
Welcome!
Online Roots Café Sessions (Zoom)
Wednesdays, 7:00–8:00 PM (Finnish time)
6:00–7:00 PM (Swedish and Norwegian time)
- 7 October
- 14 October
- 28 October
- 4 November
- 18 November
Zoom link: https://oulu.zoom.us/s/63442601751
Roots Café in Luleå
11 November 2026 during the project study trip in Luleå. The exact time and venue will be announced later.
Why Participate?
- Discover Meänkieli, Kven, Finnish and Swedish
- Gain confidence in using different languages in practice
- Meet new people from Finland, Sweden and Norway
- Learn about the shared cultural heritage of the North Calotte
- Develop skills that are valuable in studies, working life and international networks
The partners of the Interreg Aurora–funded Roots and Future project are Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Sverigefinska folkhögskolan in Haparanda (Sweden), and the Kven Language Centre in Alta (Norway). The multilingual Roots Café language cafés are organised in close cooperation between all project partners.
Roots Cafées are part of the Oulu2026 cultural programme and the cultural climate change movement.
Learn more about the project Roots and Future
