Metropolia supports diversity and an equal and inclusive approach. The language guidelines reinforce equal treatment and an accepting language climate in Metropolia. Several members of the higher education community with different language backgrounds have contributed to the development of the guidelines.
The new language guidelines are based on language-aware thinking, which means taking into consideration matters related to workplace language use, language learning, and language choice.
In addition to Finnish degree programmes, Metropolia also offers degree programmes in the English language and in a bilingual format (English and Finnish). Students in the English-language degree programmes come from a variety of linguistic backgrounds. To settle in Finland and find employment in their field, they require support in learning Finnish.
Additionally, Metropolia has an increasing number of international employees who benefit from multilingual, flexible language practices that support language learning at work and encourage Finnish speakers to work in multiple languages. The community around a language learner is essential in enabling them to take up the language at work, in their studies and on work placements.
The goal of the language guidelines is to support the university of applies sciences (UAS) community, students and staff in their everyday multilingual encounters and language learning in an accepting environment that welcomes errors as part of the learning process. Metropolia's objective with the guidelines is to promote the use of parallel languages, eliminate linguistic barriers, and encourage language learning.
Furthermore, the goal is to foster a sense of appreciation for diversity and multilingualism within the UAS community.
We support multilingualism, language learning and inclusiveness.
Wherever possible, we allow everyone to choose whether to participate in Finnish or English.
Finnish and English are flexibly used in parallel, so you don't need to speak both languages fluently to be able to work in a multilingual team.
The language skills of students and staff are made visible – all languages are valued and all language skills are utilized.
Language learning is encouraged and each person’s language learning preferences are discussed and taken into account.
We maintain a culture of communication which makes room for mistakes, linguistic imperfections and different ways of speaking Finnish and English.
The entire higher education community takes responsibility for language learning and provides opportunities for language learning and use.
We pay attention to clear language use and to ensuring that everyone is able to follow and participate in joint activities.
Wherever possible, we take into account the language skills and preferences of participants when choosing the languages for particular events.
We cultivate language awareness and talk openly even about challenging issues and feelings that relate to language use.
Senior Lecturer Eveliina Korpela
+35840 641 8336
Eveliina.Korpela [at] metropolia.fi (Eveliina[dot]Korpela[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
Senior Lecturer Hanna Aho
+358 50 573 4968
Hanna.Aho3 [at] metropolia.fi (Hanna[dot]Aho3[at]metropolia[dot]fi)
