Hugo Suolahti

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Hugo Suolahti (October 7, 1874 in Hämeenlinna – February 23, 1944 in Helsinki) was an early twentieth century Finnish politician, linguist and philologist. Before 1906, he was known as Hugo Palander.

[edit] Education and university career

Suolahti passed his matriculation examination in 1892 and received his Masters from the University of Helsinki in 1896. Suolahti became a Doctor of Philosophy in 1900. In 1901, he became a docent of German Philology at the University of Helsinki and in 1911, he became a professor of the same subject, a post he occupied for more than 40 years, until 1941. Suolahti's specialized mainly in etymology and his work on words and vocabulary had a significant impact on Finnish research pertaining to German Philology.

Suolahti was also an important administrator at the university. First, he served as Vice-Rector of the University of Helsinki from 1917 to 1923, and then as Rector from 1923 to 1926 and finally as Chancellor from 1926 to 1944.

[edit] Political career

He was a member of the National Coalition Party (Finland) and was the first chairman of the party between 1918 and 1919. He was re-elected its leader in 1925, following the administration of Antti Tulenheimo.

[edit] Trivia

Philosopher Pentti Linkola is the son of Hugo Suolahti's daughter.