Language principles of Tampere University
Preface
Tampere University’s core values are openness, critical thinking, diversity, learner centredness, courage, erudition/Bildung and responsibility. In accordance with our strategy, the University’s mission is to be an internationally esteemed re search university, an educator of world-changing experts, a strong partner and societal influencer, and the best place for studying and working.
Our University’s Equality and Non-discrimination Policy and Accessibility Policy call for the development of language principles to promote equality and inclusion within our diverse community. The first language principles of our University, which began operations in 2019, have been prepared through broad consultations with the university community and various decision-making and cooperation bodies since spring 2021. As of autumn 2022, the development of these language principles has been coordinated by a working group appointed by the President:
- Davide Giovanzana, University Lecturer, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
- Taina Juurakko-Paavola, Director, Language Centre (Chair)
- Sari Katajala-Peltomaa, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Social Sciences
- Anna Medvedeva, Doctoral Researcher, Faculty of Education and Culture
- Riku Neuvonen, University Lecturer, Faculty of Management and Business
- Tarja Pösö, Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences
- Jenna Rantanen, TREY Student Union
- Andre Sanches-Ribeiro, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
- Raisa Suominen, Senior Specialist, HR Services
- Mariam Sutidze-Haveri, Specialist, Operations Management and Administrative Services (Secretary)
- Johanna Vaattovaara, Professor, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences
- Paola Vivo, Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Minna-Liisa Änkö, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology
Adopted by the President in December 2024, the language principles outline our university community’s intentions regarding the use of Finnish, English and other languages as well as the arrangement of related services at Tampere University.
Introduction and common principles
The official language of Tampere University is Finnish. However, the University is an international community where staff and students operate in culturally and linguistically diverse local environments. These language principles are designed to support Tampere University on its journey to become an equal, inclusive and diverse community, where we are receptive to others, foster a strong sense of community and enhance the participation and well-being of all members of our community, regardless of their varying linguistic resources.
Principle 1.1
Tampere University promotes language awareness, inclusion and equality by using flexible language practices. Linguistic choices are based on these principles and situational communication needs.
Implementation 1.1
At Tampere University, Finnish and English are used flexibly as parallel languages in situations that concern the whole university community. The faculties, units, administrative bodies and working groups will discuss and agree on their own internal linguistic practices.
Principle 1.2
Tampere University provides staff with goal-oriented language training as well as high-quality language editing and translation services in Finnish and English.
Implementation 1.2
Tampere University prepares a systmatic and long-term plan for offering goal-oriented language courses to employees that will enable them to learn Finnish and English at different levels of proficiency. The language training offered by the University can be included in working hours according to individual needs.
The University prepares a written description of its language editing and translation services in both Finnish and English to ensure the accessibility of these services to all staff. This description also includes recommendations/guidelines for using machine translation tools.
Research
Tampere University aims to promote learning, discovery, scientific collaborations, international competitiveness, and the dissemination of scientific findings in esteemed scientific publication channels. The goal of disseminating research outcomes should be the widest possible reach relevant to the discipline. This can be often best achieved using scientifically sophisticated English, today’s universal language of global scientific discourse. This does not exclude the use of other languages of publication relevant to specific fields, particularly Finnish and Swedish, when appropriate.
Tampere University also communicates significant scientific findings to its stakeholders and the broader society through appropriate channels and media, using Finnish and other languages to effectively reach these audiences. For both national and international dissemination, professional and timely translation services are employed to ensure the high-quality of communication. Implementing this policy is essential for building successful scientific careers at Tampere University.
Principle 2.1
Tampere University recognises that scientific learning, discovery, and dissemination are international processes that often require the use of high-quality English.
Implementation 2.1
Researchers at Tampere University need a high proficiency in spoken and written English. The University should provide training and other supporting activities to advance these skills.
Principle 2.2
Tampere University disseminates significant scientific findings also in Finnish and/or other relevant languages.
Implementation 2.2
The publication of research findings in Finnish and/or other relevant languages is encouraged and supported to ensure their wide dissemination in Finnish society. Translation services are available to disseminate the key scientific findings in Finnish. If the original work is in Finnish, the key scientific findings are usually disseminated in English as well.
Principle 2.3
Tampere University ensures that science communication is clear, concise, timely and accessible.
Implementation 2.3
Researchers and communications specialists work together to enhance science communication.
Principle 2.4
In Tampere University’s local research communities, the choice of languages is based on the requirements of the field and the principles of inclusiveness and non-discrimination.
Implementation 2.4
The University recognises that its scientific community is international and ever changing. The University needs to prepare its students for future international research environments. Language choices take this into consideration.
Studying and teaching
In the preparation and implementation of degree programme curricula and teaching schedules, the linguistic requirements of the field are considered, and teaching solutions are designed to ensure that students graduating from the degree programmes have strong language skills and the ability to operate effectively in multicultural and multilingual environments. All faculties at the University should encourage language learning and communication in a variety of languages that correspond to the goals of the particular programme and personal goals of the students and scholars, as well as the principles of work in the specific working environment. Intercultural communication skills are essential for students and their future careers. The choice of languages in the classroom and in informal communication should strive to include all participants. The operational culture should reflect the following values: inclusivity, intercultural communication, and the appreciation and utilisation of linguistic diversity.
Principle 3.1
According to the Tampere University Regulations on Degrees (Section 9), the language of instruction and degree completion is Finnish. Teaching is also delivered in English and other languages, as described in the curriculum. English may be defined as the language of a degree programme, meaning that teaching and instruction is available in English and assignments may be completed in English.
Implementation 3.1
Learning outcomes related to language skills and intercultural communication competence are documented in the curriculum, and their implementation is supported and monitored at the University, faculty and degree programme levels.
Principle 3.2
Intercultural communication skills should be understood as competence contributing to social and cultural sustainability. This means the ability to study and work with individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Implementation 3.2
There is a conscious aim for culturally and linguistically aware actions in learning situations, for example, by utilising the linguistic resources of participants.
The University consciously fosters an atmosphere where flexible, multilingual practices are integrated into daily routines.
Intercultural communication competence is considered part of university pedagogical expertise. Our teaching staff receive support for delivering linguistically and culturally sensitive teaching.
Services and communications
As set out in the Universities Act, the language of administration at Tampere University is Finnish. According to Finnish law, the non-Finnish-speaking members of the university community must have equal, genuine opportunities to participate in the activities of the community, including administration. Thus, the use of English in the University’s administration and services is necessary to promote linguistic equality. Tampere University’s services support the establishment of shared terminology and provide wide access to documents, services and information in different languages (primarily in Finnish and English, for practical reasons).
Principle 4.1
Tampere University’s services are inclusive.
Implementation 4.1
Service units use inclusiveness as the guiding criterion for operating and developing their services.
Official documentation will be provided in Finnish and translations in English, if needed, with the same quality and quantity of information.
In support of equal participation, administrative working groups and committees use Finnish and English in their discussions flexibly. The materials for these groups and committees are prepared in Finnish and can be translated using digital tools when necessary
Principle 4.2
Tampere University’s services promote equality in services by multilingual language practices, shared terminology and supporting the use of technology.
Implementation 4.2
The production of multilingual (Finnish and English) services and official documentation is supported by professional editing and translation services.
The community members may use the technical tools available at the University, such as dictionaries and machine translation tools.
Principle 4.3
Tampere University’s services support the development of cultural and linguistical awareness within the academic community, as well as the voluntary integration of the international community into Finnish society.
Implementation 4.3
The University’s services offer training and various voluntary activities to support the development of linguistic and cultural awareness across the university community and, especially for international staff, foster a sense of belonging within the university community and promote integration into Finnish society.
Principle 4.4
Information on Tampere University’s services online is clear and accessible in both Finnish and English.
Implementation 4.2
Internet and intranet content, forms, and instructions for staff and students are available in Finnish and English. Translations are clear, complete, consistent and inclusive.
Principle 4.5
In its communications, the University emphasises clarity, conciseness, expedience and completeness.
Implementation 4.5
The choice of language depends on the target audience. In general, communication aimed at the Finnish public will be in Finnish, while communication with wider audiences will be in English. The University communicates using multilingual practices and avails itself of new technologies.