Parallel language use is a concept that has not yet reached its fullest potential

Merike Jürna is originally from Estonia, but has a Master of Arts in Danish. Currently, she is carrying out a PhD project in which she investigates international employees' Danish language needs, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. To Merike, parallel language use is about benefitting from the linguistic resources each individual has.

What are you researching?

In my PhD project, I investigate what kind of Danish language needs the international academic employees at the University Copenhagen have, both in relation to their work but also in their spare time. My long term goal is to create a scientific background for planning tailor-made Danish language courses for this specific target group. Moreover, I want to investigate how the principle of parallel language use works in practice when you are an employee with Danish as a second or foreign language.

Why did you choose this specific subject?

It is a relevant theme and I like working with a tangible subject that has some very concrete and practical outcomes. Both the language schools and the University offer various Danish language courses, but these do not always cover the specific needs that an international employee may have. We do not yet have enough systematic knowledge about what the international employees think and feel they need to do in Danish. The results based on my research will hopefully make the University better prepared to meet the needs of international employees when it comes to the Danish language, as well as to their general well-being at an internationalized work place.

What does your research currently show?

There are no results available yet, since I am currently in the process of collecting all my data. But based on one of the focus group interviews and a week of intensive observation of one informant, I can say that Danish language needs vary widely, from almost no work-related needs to the need for improvement of very specific language skills, for example pronunciation or administrative language use. Language needs are dependent on how long you intend to work and live in Denmark; what your work tasks are; to what extent you are surrounded by Danish at work and privately; whether you have family here - just to mention a few factors.

How do you experience parallel language use at the University of Copenhagen?

First of all, I experience that people do not understand the concept when I tell them that I work at the Centre for Internationalisation and Parallel Language Use. It seems like parallel language use is a concept that has not yet reached its fullest potential.

Everyone at CIP, where I work, speaks and understands Danish and English and they use the language that they find most appropriate in any given situation, both orally and in writing. At CIP, we then carry out parallel language use in both theory and practice. I also see parallel language use as a means to linguistic diversity - an opportunity to learn and teach.

Why is it a good idea to learn Danish as an international employee at the University of Copenhagen?

Because it is very difficult if you do not speak Danish. Although as an international employee you may not need Danish as a language of science, it is much easier to manage everyday life if you speak Danish. I also think that by being able to speak Danish, more doors will open up for you.

Do you have any advice for international and Danish employees working at a workplace with parallel language use?

Benefit from and enjoy sharing the linguistic resources each of you possesses.