Article categories: News
Greet your neighbour in Vaasa’s most widely spoken languages!
Published: 18.5.2026
National Neighbourhood Week is celebrated from 18 to 24 May. Neighbourhood Week reminds us that each of us can make a positive difference in our own local community. Being a good neighbour means caring and being considerate.
Vaasa is one of Finland’s most multilingual cities. Greeting someone in your own language – or in theirs – can help lower the barrier to getting to know one another. Here are some examples of greetings in languages commonly spoken in Vaasa:
- Finnish: Hei / Moi
- Swedish: Hej
- Ukrainian: Pryvit
- Arabic: Marhaba
- English: Hello / Hi
- Russian: Privet
- Bengali: Nomoskar
- Farsi/Persian: Salam
- Vietnamese: Xin chào
- Somali: Salaan
Get to know your neighbours at Settlement Vaasa’s events
During Neighbourhood Week, Settlement Vaasa offers a wide range of activities and opportunities for meeting people in different neighbourhoods. The week’s programme includes a wide range of events, from neighbourhood coffee gatherings to dances, inviting residents to spend time together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Settlement Vaasa is one of the City of Vaasa’s partner organisations and works actively to strengthen a sense of community.
Learn more about Neighbourhood Week events (in Finnish)
Why should you get to know your neighbours?
Numerous studies show that knowing your neighbours increases the sense of safety and strengthens community.
For example, Asuntosäätiö’s Kotionnellisuus study from 2024 shows that as many as 26% of Finns feel that neighbours enhance their sense of security. This feeling is shared even by those who do not know any of their neighbours.
Neighbourly relationships can help new residents settle in, make everyday life run more smoothly and, at their best, lead to meaningful encounters and long-lasting friendships. Neighbourhood Week offers a great opportunity to take a step towards a safer and more connected living environment.