The Finnish Association of Language Teachers (Sukol) has raised alarms about the growing concentration of students' language choices on English, with statistics from the Matriculation Examination Board indicating a significant decline in the popularity of traditionally important languages such as Swedish, German, French, and Russian. This trend is problematic as it leads to a lack of proficiency in multiple foreign languages, which is crucial for global communication and cultural understanding.

Moreover, Sukol highlights that while English's dominance is not seen as an issue in itself, the diminishing interest in other languages poses a risk to students' linguistic diversity. Interestingly, the rise of Spanish language studies suggests that shifts in language preferences are possible and that students may still seek to learn other languages if encouraged properly. This indicates a need for educational reforms that promote a broader range of language options in Finnish schools.

Overall, the concern raised by Sukol emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced language education system that not only supports English but also fosters the learning of other foreign languages. This would ensure that students develop a well-rounded linguistic skill set, enhancing their cultural awareness and employability in an increasingly interconnected world.