Language Policy Guidelines for OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University

The guidelines aim to highlight OsloMet's responsibility for maintaining and developing Norwegian as a language for specific purposes. Various types of linguistic competencies contribute to OsloMet's role as a practice-oriented university with an international focus. Research is international and will primarily be published in English. Research particularly relevant in the Norwegian context can reach a broader audience by being available in Norwegian. It is essential for both students, academic staff, and society that new knowledge is disseminated through the Norwegian language. To succeed in both areas, OsloMet employees must contribute to language development in Norwegian and English, with awareness of the interactions between them. OsloMet shall facilitate possibilities for employees and students to acquire the language skills necessary for the university to conduct education and research at a high international level.

The language policy guidelines were established by Rector 27 October 2023.

Main principles

1. Norwegian (bokmål, nynorsk and Norwegian sign language) is the main language at OsloMet.
2. In parallel with Norwegian, English is used as the main language where appropriate. The use of parallel language is encouraged, for example in communication with OsloMet's international target audiences.
3. OsloMet shall promote use of plain language. Employees and students are to use correct, clear, and user-oriented language in the texts we produce at the university.
4. OsloMet shall facilitate opportunities for students and employees to enhance their proficiency in Norwegian and English by offering, providing information about, and facilitating relevant language courses.
5. Students and employees have a personal responsibility to take advantage of language training offers and to actively develop their own linguistic competence. 
6. Students and employees are to respect linguistic diversity and use inclusive language.
7. OsloMet shall promote ethical awareness among students and employees regarding linguistic power in professional contexts.
8. General information from the university, directed towards students, staff, or the public, shall be available in both Norwegian and English. General oral information shall be interpreted in sign language.
9. Tenured academic staff members are required to have a command of the Norwegian academic language and terminology in their field of study. Academic leaders shall facilitate the development of Norwegian academic language and terminology within their academic community.

Education

1. Required literature in Norwegian-language programs should primarily be in Norwegian when appropriate. Parts of the required literature in a study program shall be in English.
2. Students shall gain relevant competence in Norwegian and English terminology, through courses and study programmes.
3. Swedish and Danish are considered equivalent to Norwegian as instructional languages. Programme or course plans may specify the use of English, Norwegian sign language, or other languages.
4. Students can choose whether to produce written work in Norwegian, Swedish, or Danish, unless otherwise specified in the programme or course plan.

Research and Development

1. OsloMet shall support Norwegian as a language serving and uniting our society and a full-fledged academic language.
2. Academic assessments and collaboration opportunities with relevant national and international academic communities shall guide the choice of publication language.
3. The faculty/center determines the languages permissible for a thesis. When published in Norwegian, a summary in English shall be provided, and vice versa.
4. OsloMet shall encourage and actively provide training in research dissemination in both Norwegian and English.