The project will increase scientific knowledge about modern-day multilingualism and language contact as well as improving understanding about language-related issues in Finland. The key goal of the LAIF project is to assess the contemporary language ideologies and attitudes focusing on Finnish and English--and, in relation, how these language ideologies impact inclusion in society. We will work with researchers, external stakeholders, media and language activists to increase general understanding of language as a component part of overall social equality, understanding and justice.
Research aims
- To critically and reliably assess the contemporary language scenario in Finland, with findings supplied through anonymous, quantitative survey data.
- To assess in a just and responsible manner the linguistic realities for different subgroups in the Finnish population, drawing from ethnographic, citizen science and critical discourse analysis methods.
- To widely disperse the project’s outcomes and revelations through a targeted, long-term series of public engagements, collaboration with stakeholders, and media presence.
Work packages
- Language attitudes
- Migrants
- Language ideologies
- Raising language awareness and public outreach
Mission
Through these efforts we seek to achieve our aims of contributing to the national and global understanding of contemporary multilingualism, language contact and language rights, while at the same time engaging with the public to address misconceptions about language and working to prevent linguistic discrimination.