Professor of Nordic Languages Camilla Lindholm: “Language is everything”

What are your main research interests?

I study the linguistic accessibility of Swedish and the use of Easy Language. My key goal is to determine how language can be adapted to make it understandable for as many people as possible. 

I have extensive experience in studying spoken interaction in a range of care settings, such as communication between people with memory impairments and nursing staff. Although spoken interaction remains the primary focus of my research, I have also examined written language. I am currently working on a project that explores the use of easy-to-read fiction in teaching adult language learners.

What makes your research significant?

All human activity is connected to language, and language is an integral part of what it means to be human. My research is important because it examines how language can be made accessible. Accessible language helps to ensure that our increasingly complex society is as inclusive as possible. The study of linguistic accessibility is closely connected to democracy and civic participation. 

By examining Easy Language and linguistic accessibility, we gain a better understanding of the forms of written and spoken language that are most accessible to people with linguistic difficulties. I want to investigate these issues in order to improve the lives of people for whom Easy Language is the only option. 

My research focuses on a minority within a minority as I study the accessibility of Swedish in Finland, where Swedish is a minority language. Swedish-speaking Finns with linguistic difficulties face multiple forms of marginalisation in society. I believe it is important to improve our understanding of this group and the linguistic needs of those who rely on Easy Swedish.

Where do you draw inspiration for your work as a professor?

I enjoy teaching and supporting students in developing their writing skills. In recent years, I have devoted considerable thought to identifying ways of making the writing process easier for students, as many of them find it challenging. I am keen to develop and adapt practices that help students become more comfortable with writing. 

Academic writers, myself included, also occasionally find writing challenging, and finding time to write can be difficult. For this reason, I have promoted collaborative writing within the Languages Unit so that colleagues can support one another throughout the writing process. I have organised virtual writing sessions and even a writing retreat. I seek to foster a culture of collaborative writing and research, as a strong sense of community is a source of inspiration for me.

Overall, the role of professor is remarkably diverse. This variety is what makes my work so meaningful. Exploring new ideas, developing solutions and putting them into practice are at the heart of my work, both in research and teaching.

Photo: Jonne Renvall

What would you want to study next and why?

I would be eager to study the everyday use of easy-to-read texts and examine how they are used in practice and how they support people in managing their daily tasks and activities. Such research would shed light on the types of texts that are sufficient for different users and whether additional support may be needed to aid understanding. I believe this would be a fascinating topic to explore using ethnographic methods.

Another area that intrigues me is the study of interaction during mealtimes in institutional settings. I have previously examined interaction within assisted living facilities, and exploring communication during meals would be an interesting continuation of this work. Collaborative writing is another area of research that interests me. It is closely linked to the teaching and guidance aspects of my work as a professor.

What do you do in your free time?

I spend a great deal of time with my family. I also try to balance my writing work with exercise and outdoor activities.

I enjoy reading fiction in my free time. Over the past few years, I have rediscovered a long-standing interest in creative writing. I am studying to become a literary arts instructor, as I have a broad interest in reading and writing. I would like to learn how to apply literary arts methods in my work as a professor.