Navigating Identity: The Evolving Definition of Finnishness
Ervin Softic, a product of eastern Helsinki, embodies the convergence of cultures. Having traversed the Finnish education system, completed military service as a sergeant, and partnered with his family to build a thriving business, he now raises a child of his own. Despite his deep Finnish roots, he frequently encounters questions about his origin or surprise at his fluency in the language.
This experience is all too common for many second-generation Finns—individuals born in Finland to parents from abroad. Their numbers surpassed 100,000 in 2025, underscoring the increasing internationalization of Finland. Yet, growing up in this Nordic nation does not always guarantee acceptance as “truly Finnish.”
“Even if you’re born here, live by Finnish rules, and speak the language perfectly, you’re still viewed as an outsider,” Softic shared with Yle News. “Sometimes, I find myself wondering, what more do I need to do?”
A Culinary Blend of Cultures
Softic’s parents fled to Finland from Bosnia during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, and their dual heritage has profoundly influenced his life. This blend of cultures is evident in the cafés he operates with his family.
“I incorporate both cultures into my work, constantly reminding myself of my roots while honoring where I am now,” he said.
His café, Meli, was inspired by an idea Softic conceived at the tender age of 16 for a school assignment. Born from his love for pastries reminiscent of Bosnia, he created a space that celebrates both his upbringing and his family’s legacy.
“I’ve always had a passion for bread and pastries, which evoke memories of home. Even though I’ve lived my whole life in Finland, that part of Bosnia is always with me, and I wanted to share that experience with others,” he explained.
Despite occasional doubts over his Finnish identity, Softic finds solace in the positive reception of his culinary endeavor.
“When older Finnish customers tell me, ‘You’ve brought part of your culture here, but you’re one of us,’ it’s incredibly validating,” he remarked.
For Softic, the richness of his dual identity is a treasure he hopes to pass on to his child.
“At home, we enjoy both Bosnian and Finnish traditions—starting our day with karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies) and ending it with goulash. There’s no hesitation in blending these worlds.”
Questioning Belonging
Khadra Sugulle grew up in Suvela, a culturally diverse area in Espoo, where her identity was never questioned—until she transitioned to high school in the more homogenous Tapiola.
“The bubble burst,” recalls Sugulle, a public health nurse now pursuing a master’s in health sciences.
Her experiences with racism began unexpectedly in this new environment, including discriminatory comments from educators. Yet, she found her footing and resolved to stay true to herself.
“I built my confidence during comprehensive school, and that made me more unapologetically myself,” she said.
However, as Sugulle navigated her professional path, she found herself often marginalized, facing comments like, “Thank you for coming here,” directed at her as a person of immigrant background rather than as a nurse.
“I began to wonder, ‘Should I be more Finnish? What can I do?'” Sugulle reflected. “Being a woman and a Muslim wearing a hijab means I can’t easily conceal my differences.”
During internships, the weight of representing not just herself but her entire community felt overwhelming.
“I felt pressure to excel because if someone who looks like me makes a mistake, it reflects on everyone,” she observed.
Now, Sugulle embraces both her Somali and Finnish identities as interwoven strengths rather than conflicting aspects of her life.
As Finland becomes increasingly diverse, she hopes society will continue broadening its understanding of Finnish identity.
“We’re not detracting from Finnishness; we’re enriching it,” she affirmed. “Being recognized as part of this nation would mean everything.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
Aicha Manai, CEO of Startup Refugees and Finnish-Tunisian herself, highlights the pivotal moment Finland is experiencing through the lens of Softic and Sugulle’s narratives.
With Generation Z and Generation Alpha coming of age in the most diverse Finland yet, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Two decades ago, just 3 percent of the population spoke a language other than Finnish, Swedish, or Sami at home; today, that figure approaches 11 percent.
“We face a choice: Will we embrace the evolving notion of Finnishness and cultivate a multicultural society, or retreat inward, exacerbating division and segregation?” Manai asked.
Manai underlined that Finland has experienced demographic changes before, yet this current moment, shaped by rapid changes alongside economic uncertainty and global anxieties, stirs unease among many.
She introduced the term solastalgia, often linked to climate concerns, describing the distress of seeing one’s familiar surroundings transformed beyond recognition.
“While I can relate to that fear, there is truly nothing to fear,” Manai insisted. “A multicultural Finland offers immense benefits. Inclusion inspires people to engage positively and broaden the perspectives of those who have long been here.”
The Next Generation
Sugulle’s greatest hope is for her children to view their multifaceted identities as an asset, mirroring Softic’s aspirations for his child.
“I want them to understand they are part of Finland’s story—they belong here,” she asserted.
This sense of belonging is already visible among the younger generation. Manai notes her sons exhibit a more inclusive understanding of Finnishness than many adults do.
“To them, everyone surrounding them is Finnish, regardless of skin tone or religion,” she said. “You are still Finnish even if your language is imperfect or accented.”
For Softic, Sugulle, and Manai, the concept of Finnishness transcends fixed definitions.
“To me, Finnishness is like water,” Manai concluded. “It adapts and transforms.”
Yle News’ All Points North podcast recently explored the question, “What does it mean to be Finnish?” Listen to the episode on Yle Arena, Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.
