In recent years, language awareness has been a popular topic of lively discussion. Both linguists and language teachers have shown interest in consciousness raising that has been considered a means of establishing motivated and effective language learning. Most studies have approached the subject from the viewpoint of foreign languages, and less attention has been paid to mother tongue. An Estonian-Finnish research project focuses on the influence of the mother tongue on teaching and learning of Estonian and Finnish. Being familiar with the notions of significance and future of the mother tongue, in this case Finnish, is one way to start. Students of Finnish and foreign languages at Joensuu University were asked some questions relating to their attitudes toward Finnish language and its effect on foreign language learning. Results show considerable agreement between these two groups; they consider that Finnish will have a future in the European Union and it is for them the most nuanced instrument of self expression. The mother tongue is a solid ground for learning foreign languages, even though the negative transfer in case of a Finno-Ugric source language may be striking. Some consequences for mother tongue and foreign language classes are also discussed. (Author/VWL)