Ethno- and sociolinguistic foundations of motivation for learning the Finnish language at Petrozavodsk State University

Introduction. The purpose of this article is to identify the ethno- and sociolinguistic foundations of students’ motivation to study the Finnish language based on the analysis of the results of a survey of students from the Department of Baltic-Finnish Philology at Petrozavodsk State University. Currently, such studies are relevant, as prospective students have shown a consistent interest in study programmes that include Finnish, alongside their second language (Karelian, Vepsian, or English).
Materials and Methods. The study material consisted of survey data collected from the undergraduate students studying the Finnish language. During the study, it employed survey methods, as well as mathematical, statistical, and comparative approaches.
Results and Discussion. In this article, the authors explore the ethno- and sociolinguistic foundations of students’ motivation to learn the Finnish language. The experience gained from conducting such studies can be applied in the future to identify motivational factors for studying the Karelian and Vepsian languages, which are languages of indigenous smallnumbered peoples in the Republic of Karelia.
Conclusion. Based on the research conducted, it can be concluded that most prospective students enter the programmes at the Department of Baltic-Finnish Philology with a well-defi ned motivation for learning the Finnish language. This study holds practical signifi cance, as the data gathered on students’ motivation to learn the Finnish language will aid educators in developing professionally-oriented training modules and methods aimed at enhancing students’ motivational engagement.