Language and Communication Studies

Ritva Ala-LoukoRitva Ala-LoukoSenior Lecturer, MASenior Lecturer, MAHead of Language CenterHead of Language Center

2

Language and Communication Studies at a University of Applied Sciences

Language and communication skills are part of theprofessional competence of a university of applied sciences graduate.

The studies prepare students for communication situations in working life.

They reinforce the students’ familiarity with different cultures so that they can get along in an international work environment.

The aim is to motivate students for continuously develop their language skills.

The language and communication studies are stipulated by the universities of applied sciences decree 328/2003, §8 (language proficiency).

Language and Communication Studies at a University of Applied Sciences

The scope of language studies varies by field and degree programme.

All the degree programmes include compulsory studies in English, Finnish and Communication and Swedish.

International students study Finnish as a foreign language

Students may start studying a new foreign language as a free-choice elective

Language and Communication Studies at a University of Applied Sciences

Studies in Swedish for Finnish-speaking students and in Finnish for Swedish- speaking students are based on the language legislation in Finland, the Language Act.

During the university studies the Finnish-speaking students must reach such a skills level in Swedish that is required of public officials working in a bilingual office.

Language Skills as Recruitment Criteria in Finnish Companies

English

Swedish

German

Spanish

French

Russian

Chinese

Italian

Other*

Source: Confederation of Finnish Industries EK

Free-choice foreign languages

A new language starting from the basics

Two 5-credits courses during one academic year

Languages:Languages: Spanish, French, German, Russian,

Norwegian, Sami, Sign Language

Culture studies:Culture studies:Intercultural Communication in Finland

7

Proficiency Levels in Languages

• The language proficiency levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

• The required entry-level in English is B2 and in Swedish B1 (for Finnish students)

• The CEFR divides learners into three broad divisions which can be divided into six levels:

C2 Mastery Proficient user

C1 Effective Operational Proficiency B2 Vantage Independent user B1 Threshold A2 Waystage Basic user A1 Breakthrough

• The CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level.

http://www.coe.int/T/DG4/Portfolio/?L=E&M=/main_pages/levels.html

Language Centre at RAMK

organises RAMK’s obligatory language and communication studies and the free-choice elective foreign language courses

provides tailored training in languages and communication for both RAMK’s personnel and local businesses and the public sector

provides translation services develops professional language and

communication studies and teaching develops teacher’s professional

competence cooperates with other universities of

applied sciences

Development of Professional Language Teaching

Web-based language teaching materials and methods

Use of ICT and social media in language learning and teaching

Integration of teaching professional subjects and languages

Thesis writing guidance and academic writing materials

Language Centre at RAMK

Head of Language Centre Senior Administrator 21 Senior Lectures,

Lectures and part-time teachers

Language Centre of the Lapland University Consortium (LUC)

The Language Centre of the LaplandUniversity Consortium (LUC) is

composed of the language teaching units in the three higher education institutions in the province of Lapland: Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences, the University of Lapland

andRovaniemi University of Applied Sciences.

The new Language Centre will start its

operation on 1 January 2011.

Thank you for your attention!