Johanna Viimaranta

Johanna Viimaranta is a Professor of Russian Language and Literature at the University of Helsinki's Department of Languages, Faculty of Arts. She serves as Supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Language Studies and is affiliated with the Helsinki Inequality Initiative (INEQ). Additionally, she holds a Docentship at the University of Turku since 2013. Her scholarly work spans Russian linguistics, language policy, and multilingualism, with particular attention to Ukrainian language contexts and language acquisition methodologies.

Viimaranta's research interests focus on Russian language phenomena, language policy in post-Soviet contexts, and multilingual education practices. Her recent work examines language legislation in Ukraine, Russian onomatopoeic expressions, and innovative methods for measuring language learning processes through eye-tracking technology. She investigates how geopolitical events influence language learning motivation, particularly regarding Ukrainian language studies in Finland following the Russian invasion.

Her publication trends reveal consistent scholarly output across multiple formats including journal articles, book chapters, and conference contributions. Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining linguistic analysis with sociopolitical contexts, particularly regarding language and nationalism. Her work increasingly incorporates technological methodologies like eye-tracking for analyzing language acquisition processes.

As an active research leader, Viimaranta manages multiple significant projects including Nordplus - SwiSca Youth (2025-2026), Kone Foundation's 'How indigenous languages change' (2024-2027), and the SARAVE language education development project (2025-2028). She has secured funding from diverse sources including the Kone Foundation, Ministry funding, and international research councils.

Viimaranta maintains an extensive record of academic service including peer review for journals such as Sananjalka, Lingua, and Acta Psychologica. She participates in high-profile academic and diplomatic events, including the March 2025 meeting with Presidents Zelenskyy and Stubb. Her commitment to public scholarship is evident through numerous media appearances discussing Ukrainian language learning in Finland and language policy issues.