Pronunciation: [mˈɒti] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "motti" may require some explanation using IPA phonetic transcription. The initial letter "m" is pronounced as /m/, while the second letter "o" is pronounced as /ɑ/. The third letter "t" is pronounced as /t/, and the fourth letter "t" is pronounced as /i/. Hence, the IPA phonetic transcription for "motti" is /mɑti/. In terms of definition, "motti" refers to a pile of logs or timber, typically used for fuel.
Motti is a Finnish term that refers to a military tactic used during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1939-1940. The word itself translates to "encirclement" in English, capturing the essence of the strategy. A motti involves surrounding and isolating enemy forces by utilizing the natural terrain to create a barrier. This tactic aims to cut off retreat and resupply options for the enemy, rendering them vulnerable and ultimately leading to their defeat.
In practice, a motti involves encircling a group of enemy soldiers or vehicles, trapping them within a confined area. The Finnish soldiers would often employ their knowledge of the local terrain, such as dense forests or frozen lakes, to their advantage. Once a motti was formed, the Finnish forces would engage in intense combat, picking off the surrounded enemy one by one or forcing their surrender.
The success of the motti tactic during the Winter War can be attributed to Finland's exceptional knowledge of the terrain, as well as their ability to effectively coordinate attacks in harsh winter conditions. By utilizing mottis, Finnish forces were able to inflict significant losses upon the larger Soviet forces, demoralizing their opponents and proving the resilience and ingenuity of the Finnish military.
Overall, a motti is a military strategy that involves encircling and isolating enemy forces in order to defeat them by cutting off their retreat and resupply options.
The word "motti" comes from the Finnish language. Its etymology can be traced to the Finnish word "moto", which originally meant "grove" or "stand of trees". Over time, the meaning of "moto" shifted to refer to a small group of trees or a small forested area. From there, "motto" emerged, referring to small forest clearings or patches within a larger forest. Eventually, "motto" evolved into "motti" to specifically denote a defensive tactic used by Finnish soldiers during the Winter War (1939-1940). In this context, "motti" referred to a group of encircled enemy forces that were surrounded and cut off from their support or communication.
