The esteemed Finnish linguist, Professor Janne Saarikivi, has recently confirmed his divorce from his wife, Taina Saarikivi. The couple, who were married for nearly two decades and have two children together, have decided to keep the specifics of their separation under wraps.
Both Janne and Taina have stated their intention to uphold a polite relationship for the wellbeing of their children, despite their divorce. The news has certainly taken the academic and linguistic circles by surprise, given Saarikivi’s respected standing in the field of languages. As Saarikivi navigates this new chapter in his life, his colleagues and students are left to ponder what impact this personal development might have on his academic pursuits.
The divorce was made public through a post on Janne Saarikivi’s Facebook page on November 1, 2023. He expressed that the decision to end their marriage was made after a lengthy period of contemplation and mutual respect. In his post, he expressed gratitude towards his wife for the years they spent together and the reciprocal support they provided in their personal and academic lives.
Saarikivi refrained from revealing any information pertaining to the divorce process or the custody arrangements of their children. He requested privacy and respect for his family during these trying times and made it clear that he would not be providing any further comments on the matter. He requested that the media respect his wishes.
Saarikivi’s disclosure was received with sympathy and support from his followers and colleagues. Many commended him for his dignified and honest approach and extended their well wishes. Others expressed admiration for his linguistic accomplishments and contributions to the study of Finno-Urgic languages.
Born in Helsinki on May 29, 1973, Janne Saarikivi’s exceptional passion for languages can be traced back to his parents, Santeri Saarikivi, a retired engineer, and Leena Saarikivi, a retired teacher. Both of them are multilingual, proficient in Finnish, Swedish, English, and German. They passed on their linguistic skills to their son and encouraged his interest in languages from an early age. They also exposed him to various cultures and literature, thereby nurturing his fascination for languages.
Saarikivi holds his parents in high esteem and considers them as his first role models. He acknowledges their influence in shaping his enthusiasm for languages and describes them as supportive, open-minded, and generous.
Today, the Saarikivi family resides in Espoo, a city near Helsinki, and maintains a close-knit relationship. Santeri and Leena, despite being retired, still take an active role in their local community and indulge in hobbies like travelling, reading, and gardening. They take immense pride in their son’s accomplishments and frequently visit him and their grandchildren in Helsinki, thereby reinforcing a bond that echoes the family’s passion for languages, cultures, and lifelong learning.
