Learning a foreign language often happens in the classroom or with your nose in a textbook, but languages are actually used in everyday interaction. There is therefore a divide between how languages are taught and how they are used. An EU-funded project called LanCook, or the European Digital Kitchen, aims to bridge the gap between the two.

Is language learning something boring that requires pedantic attention to detail and memorisation of endless grammatical categories? Or is it something fun and exciting that opens up a whole new window into the way we think and work together? Linguists share the latter view, but others will often relate to the former. Lari Kotilainen wants to remedy this situation.

Lari Kotilainen formed the band Jytäjyrsijät together with Sami Iivonen in 1996. The band, which makes rock music aimed at children, has toured actively in Finland and Russia and has released three albums. Their songs have been translated into Russian and sign language.

I began my studies in 1993 at the age of 19, after which I have not left the University’s sphere of influence for more than a year at a time. It should then be clear that along the way I have had great moments as a student, researcher and teacher.