In the language policy that the UT introduced since 2018, English predominates. After the introduction of a 'code of conduct for working languages', English became the official organisational language at the UT in 2020. In practice, Dutch and English have been mixed up at the UT in recent years. That is why the Executive Board prepared last autumn for the introduction of 'parallel bilingualism', a new policy that a working group then started working on.
'Balanced and flexible'
This new language policy encompasses exactly that: both English and Dutch are officially recognised as organisational languages at the UT. When which language must be used, there are no hard rules or guidelines in the new policy. As Katja Hunfeld of the working group emphasized earlier, this is 'organically determined'. The policy document should ensure a 'balanced and flexible' approach to language use, focusing on effective communication and inclusivity.
One language should not push away the other
For example, a distinction has been made between the denominators 'communication', 'campus and community' and 'governance and participation'. As far as communication is concerned, English is seen as the scientific lingua franca and as a UT-wide shared language. Dutch is 'essential for the local and regional context and societal involvement' of the UT. Pragmatically, the choice of language therefore depends on the subject and the audience, according to the policy document.
In 'campus and community', parallel bilingualism is also the modus operandi. So at meetings, within associations and even in tenders from external suppliers, attention is paid to both English and Dutch. An important note made in the policy is that care must be taken to ensure that the use of one language does not push away the other. In short: here too, this comes down to equality of both languages and inclusiveness of those involved.
Decisions and minutes
The language policy for governance and participation is not much different, but is in a slightly tighter straitjacket. The formal written language at board level is Dutch. Decisions and minutes at board level must be made available in both Dutch and English – because of Dutch legislation and because of accessibility of the entire UT community.
Meetings of the university council, faculty and service councils may take place in both Dutch and English. Depending on the subject and the language skills of those present, the language is chosen. For programme committees, the registered language of programme is leading, in principle.
The university council will be presented with the language policy on Wednesday, to give advice. The council wants the policy to encourage international staff and students to learn the Dutch language even more explicitly, according to the advisory letter drawn up. The university council also believes that the contracts of permanent employees should contain recommendations for learning the Dutch language. Provided that no major changes are required for the document, the new language policy will take effect from 1 January 2025.
organisational language, not educational language
The language used in study programmes will remain unaffected by this new language policy. This policy therefore concerns the language used in official communication, at the coffee machines and in meetings. Not about the language in the lecture halls.
That does not mean that the language in the lecture halls cannot change in the coming years. The so-called 'Internationalisation in Balance Act' is on its way, which prescribes a more prominent role for Dutch-language programmes. The UT psychology programme is already anticipating this law and will offer a bilingual bachelor's programme from September 2025.
