Getting to know Pekka Lintunen

1. Who are you and how did you end up at the department of English?

My name is Pekka Lintunen, and I'm currently Professor of English and leading the Second Language Acquisition track. I used to be one of the university lecturers for 20 years or so, but since 2021 I have been one of the professors. I ended up at the department first as a student in the 1990s. I had always wanted to study English more, as I felt that I love the language and want to know every detail about it. Luckily I got in when I applied as the second last reserve place accepted if I remember correctly. So I knew from the beginning that I was probably one of the weakest students, and I also felt like one during spoken or written exercises. But I guess I was also quite motivated, determined and industrious student because I really wanted to learn it all, and by the time I was in advanced studies, I was doing quite well and was asked to take care of one junior assistant position before I even got my MA degree. And ever since I have been here. Then I wanted to see if I have what it takes to get a PhD, and I did it. I was never sure what I would be able to do but I always wanted to try the next step.

2. What courses have you held this year? Do you have a favorite among them?

Professors do not have much teaching, but this year I have been teaching a bit more than usual I did the Second Language Acquisition core course for intermediate studies, and Theories of Second Language Learning and SLA Methodology and SLA

Thesis Seminar for advanced studies I also gave some lectures on the Degree Programme for Language Learning and Teaching So at least this and next year I won't be doing English Phonetics where many students have met me previously I would say that my favorite this year has been the core course, because there I see many first year students and I love the questions that are asked there. I like the beginning and end of studies, so my other favorite would be the MA Thesis Seminar where we discuss very advanced questions related to research matters.

. What is your favorite thing about teaching here?

Enthusiastic students definitely. Teaching is all about collaboration, and without students there would not be much to say. I love to see reactions from the audience. This was difficult during remote teaching, but I really love to be in front of an audience to discuss something and also react to questions from the audience. The questions and comments from the audience are very welcome.

4. Did you always want to become a teacher or did you have other dream professions?

I don't consider myself a teacher often, as teaching is only a small portion of my duties here. Of course that is the part that students see the most, but I should not spend more than one day a week for teaching matters if I keep my work duties balanced. When I started university, I wanted to become a teacher of English and German but I soon realized that I'm very interested in theoretical matters, such as general linguistics or phonetics, so I didn't have time to study enough practical courses related to teaching. After some years at university, I dreamt of staying here for my profession, so I can say that I am now in my dream profession, and luckily it also includes some teaching.

5. Do you have a favorite Anglican event?

I like many events. The anniversary this year was so grand that I will never forget it. That was absolutely brilliant! But I also like very much the bake sales. They are much appreciated by the staff. I like that we have sometimes visited coffee hours or been invited to vappubooli. I like any event where there is a lot of casual interaction between students and staff because that's often when you hear important comments and get feedback on anything

6. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

This is the hardest question for me because I often feel that I work such long hours that my free time is a bit limited Even in my free time I like to think about some research project related to English a bit too often But I confess that I watch too much TV and follow all kinds of reality shows and sport events (especially skiing and track and field) I listed to a lot of music and like to follow what is on the charts and, as some of you may know, I'm interested in Eurovision trivia

7 Any final comments for the readers?

Enjoy Vappu celebrations! Remember to enjoy your time as a student, because studying at university is not all about the details to remember and books to read Studying is much a social thing as well to interact and get connections from different fields, and student life has many events and traditions Vappu is one of those important traditions and perhaps the most important annual event Vappu is not the time to worry about exams or papers to write Vappu is the time to celebrate, be together and enjoy the spring and university life The staff are there to celebrate it with you and we can discuss study matters some days after Vappu again, when we all first have enough munkki and booli

Jenna Haaja