Browsing by Author "Jiang, Yanhua"

This research provides a comprehensive examination of multilingualism at the University of Helsinki (UH) from the perspective of 110 students in language degree programs. The study explores language students’ personal language practices, their perceptions of multilingualism at UH, and the interrelation between these practices and perceptions, as well as the tensions arising from them. Utilizing a mixed research design, the study employed a questionnaire to gain an overview of language students’ practices and perceptions, followed by interviews to delve deeper into the underlying reasons. Data analysis included descriptive, thematic, and critical analyses focusing on personal language practices, perceptions of multilingualism at UH, and power dynamics. Findings from the survey and interviews revealed mixed views on multilingualism at UH and tensions between language practices and perceptions. Over 40 languages were reported in language students’ language use on campus, with major subject languages noted for their significance in academic contexts. Interviewees reported flexible language use, with English preferred for international interactions and Finnish dominant in monolingual settings. Despite most students endorsing UH’s efforts in promoting multilingualism, the dominant roles of Finnish and English, alongside a biased language value hierarchy, hinder functional multilingualism. Underrepresentation of certain languages, particularly Swedish, persists. Recommendations include leveraging students’ linguistic resources, developing language support services, and revising language policies to foster a more inclusive environment and accommodate evolving linguistic landscapes and student needs.