Browsing by Author "Ilmaranta, Kirsi"

  Abstract Faculty: Faculty of Arts Degree programme: English Studies Study track: Applied linguistics Author: Kirsi Ilmaranta Title: English in the public sector: Employee perceptions of language policy behind the webpages of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland Level: Master’s thesis Month and year: February 2024 Number of pages: 46 + 1 + 7 (appendices) Keywords: Language policy, ELF, translation, Language choice, Virtual Linguistic Landscapes Supervisor or supervisors: Niina Hynninen Where deposited: University of Helsinki e-thesis database Additional information: N/A Abstract: This study looked at the complex language policy layers and practices that affect people working to produce English language web materials at Kela, the social insurance institution of Finland. The study was conducted through an interview study of 3 participants: 1 translator and 2 communications specialists. The interview data was supplemented with a virtual linguistic landscape study of the Kela website. The interviews were semi-structured and conducted on Teams where the data was recorded for further analysis. The interview data was analysed through inductive content analysis, where the data was categorized based on language policy levels as well as the language production process. The virtual linguistic landscape data was analysed in terms of the language options and the scope of the English language website based in the main navigation menu. The study showed that English web material production is affected by different aspects. There are top-down management level policies that affect the language choices offered as well as the extent of the materials offered in certain languages. Language practices were often normalized and thought to be difficult to change without top-down involvement. While the policies seemed to be shaped by general language beliefs in the Finnish society, they did not necessarily represent those of the current employees. Especially translation processes were largely shaped by individual employees’ practices. The findings indicate that formal language policies might be beneficial as ideological frameworks for employees to follow and justify changes in practiced language policy.