DRAFT5 10.1.2019
Aalto University Language Guidelines
Internationalisation is a vital part of Aalto University. Aalto University seeks to be an
internationally valued and multicultural university based on Finnish strengths. Aalto
University's language guidelines follow the same principle; our internationalisation and
multiculturalism build on the foundation of Finland's bilingualism.
 There are three working languages: Finnish, Swedish and English.
 Everyone should be able to participate in discussions.
 Multiculturalism is a strength.
 Good communication skills are fostered.
I International and Multicultural Aalto University
As per the Aalto University strategy, the purpose of the Language Guidelines are to ensure
that the Aalto community can internationalise without diminishing the role of the national
languages, Finnish and Swedish, in academic discourse. Operating in an officially bilingual
country, Aalto University is required by law to provide education and certain services both in
Finnish – the language of about 88 per cent of the inhabitants of the country – and in Swedish
– the language of about 5 per cent of the population. In the Language Guidelines, the national
legislation and regulations on languages have been taken into account. Therefore, the
University embraces Finnish, Swedish and English as its working languages.
II A Multilingual Culture
The Language Guidelines promote multilingualism and multiculturalism at Aalto University.
International members of the Aalto community have opportunities to learn about Finnish
culture and to learn Finnish and/or Swedish. Language and multicultural training is available
for all members of the community.
Aalto University:
 encourages linguistic diversity and the parallel use of languages within the community
 develops working methods and lays the foundation for high-quality communications
 recognises the challenges of internationalisation
 teaching and research shall also be conducted in Finnish and Swedish in order to
ensure the academic use and development of the national languages
 supports the integration of international students and staff.
III Multilingualism in Practice
1) Research
 Research publications are characterised by fluent language.
 Aalto University plays an active role in developing Finnish and Swedish academic
terminology.
2) Learning and teaching
 Aalto University offers undergraduate education mainly in Finnish, but to some extent
also in Swedish. In Finnish- and partly Swedish-language Bachelor programme, some
courses are also offered in English. Bachelor programme offered only on English can
be found in each of university’s academic areas (technology, economics, art).
Most master’s programmes are offered in English.
 Swedish-speaking students will have the opportunity to take their exams and other
course work in Swedish when the language of instruction is Finnish in the fields of
Science and Technology or Art and Design. Swedish-speaking students will have the
opportunity to discuss their studies in Swedish in the fields of Science and Technology
or Art and Design
 Degree programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels must define the
intended learning outcomes for the language, communication and intercultural skills
relevant for the field of study.
 Good communication, language and people skills are part of the pedagogical
requirements for teaching staff. Teachers are provided with pedagogical support and
training to enhance their skills in teaching in English in a multicultural academic
environment. Those teaching in a language other than their mother tongue are required
to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction.
3) Services
 International and national students and staff members are given the opportunity to
study Finnish, Swedish and English.
 Aalto University offers high-quality editing, translation and proofreading services in
Finnish, Swedish and English.
 Aalto University has a unified terminology for key terms and Aalto documents are
written in the standard form of the language.
 Key documents concerning education are available in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Several internal documents concerning academic administration and services (like
forms and instructions) are available in Finnish and English.
 All Aalto members can participate in the activities of various working groups and
committees of the university
4) Communications
 Communications are conducted with consistency and awareness of the situation,
communications channel and language to serve the intended audience.
 The Aalto University website aalto.fi and student website into.aalto.fi are maintained in
Finnish, English and when necessary in Swedish.
IV. Implementation and support of multilingualism at Aalto University
 The implementation of the Language Guidelines is the responsibility of the Provost of
Aalto University.
 The measures required by Language Guidelines as well as the resources allocated to
implement them are part of the day-to-day operations of Aalto University.
 Aalto University has advocates whose primary duty is to support Swedish-and Englishspeaking
students and to ensure fluent communications in those languages.