About parallel language use
Parallel Language Use is a concept often used about the language situation at Nordic international Universities but it can also include the balance between local languages and the use of English at universities across the world.
One of the goals of the Centre for Internationalisation and Parallel Language Use is to be a research and knowledge centre for issues relating to parallel language use in university settings. For this purpose, we have created a database of what has been said, written and reported on the subject of parallel language use.
At present, the database only contains material in Danish, but references to articles and summaries on the subject are to be available in English as well. Until then, you are welcome to browse the Danish database or contact the Centre if you have specific questions related to the subject.
Parallel language use in the Nordic countries
Parallel Language Use
The use of parallel languages refers to a situation in which two languages are considered equal in a particular domain, and where the choice of language depends on what is deemed most appropriate and efficient in a specific situation.
At the University of Copenhagen, the use of Danish and English is determined by the principles of parallel language use as specified in the Destination 2012 Strategy Paper (appendix 1, page 25, Danish only).
In the latest Strategy 2023 the focus is to “promote a work and study environment of parallel language use in order to attract and retain talent".
UCPH language policy
In January 2021 the UCPH board adopted the UCPH language policy, which further expands the University's practice of parallel-language use.
The language policy consist of 10 principles focusing on language competences in Danish and English for staff and the connection between language and education, respectively.
Read more in the files on "UCPH language policy" and "Background paper and action plan" from January 2021.
LERU report
The University of Copenhagen is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
