University delegates from around the world converge on Helsinki to talk about multi-lingual universities

From September 1-3, 2005, the University of Helsinki hosted a conference entitled “Bi- and multilingual Universities - Challenges and Future Prospects”, which focused on three themes: multi-lingual higher education, the cultural, political and historical context of multi-lingual education and multilingualism in practice at the university level. The issue of English as a world language and the impact of globalization were central courses of discussion as well. Delegates came from all over the world including Canada, Finland, China, South Africa, the US and several countries in Europe. This conference was held on the heels of a report in Helsingin Sanomat that more Finnish universities are offering programs entirely in English.

The Finnish-Canadian Society caught up with Susan Silverton, who is one of two Vice-Presidents, Academic at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario. Silverton hails from Philadelphia, but has lived in Canada and in France for some period of time. Laurentian University is a unique institution, offering entire degree programs in both of Canada’s official languages and being one of only two institutions in the whole country with a bilingual mandate. Susan Silverton tells us more about her time in Helsinki.

FCS: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to be the Vice President of Academic Issues? You also have a Francophone counterpart is that correct?

SS: At Laurentian University we have programs in French and in English. There are two Vice-Presidents, Academic, Anglophone and francophone. The institution has about 8000 students; approximately 70% of students are enrolled in programs given in English. We have five faculties, Science and Engineering, Management Studies, Social Sciences, Humanities, and a combined Applied Health Sciences and Education faculty. I came to Laurentian in 2004 from Las Vegas, where I was the point person for two big changes in the university there: a new biomedical research initiative and a new dental school. At Laurentian, we have a lot of new programs, including a new medical school and five new PhD programs. It is very exciting to see the university stretch and grow.

FCS: How did you come to be involved in the conference "Bi- and multilingual Universities - Challenges and Future Prospects"? Were there any special criteria for participants?

SS: I came to the "Bi- and multilingual Universities - Challenges and Future Prospects" conference because my institution is one of only two universities in Canada that has a bilingual mandate. Although I spent many years in Montreal, in the French-speaking province of Canada, universities there are unilingual, French or English. As the Vice-President, Academic of the dominant language group, I needed to understand how bi- and multilingual universities maintain cultural and lingual diversity while providing a rich multicultural, bilingual environment. Programs in two different languages does not mean that the teaching and learning environment is bilingual.

FCS: The conference covered three broad themes: Multilingual higher education, The cultural, political and historical context of multi-lingual education and Multilingualism at the universities in practice. Could you comment on how these themes were explored and discussed during the conference?

SS: The conference brought out several repeated themes - among these themes there were 2 key issues that I felt gave me a new perspective. The first theme that ran throughout the conference was a discussion about the prevalence of English as a language of communication. A second underlying idea that was repeatedly supported was the importance of maintaining language diversity to preserve cultural diversity. Both of these themes were interpreted in the cultural, political and historical context of multilingual universities and the governments that support them. 

FCS: How was the conference was helpful for Laurentian University? Is this a one-off or will there be future conferences with this theme?

SS: At the conference, Canada was repeatedly used as a model of a bilingual and bicultural country. The impact of the Canadian experience was far greater than I could have expected. It is sobering to realize how our previous history and recent experience with bilingualism has been interpreted internationally. While we have made tremendous progress toward language rights and access to services in each official language, we have ongoing challenges. I would like to attend a future conference on bilingual universities that drills down into these future challenges.

FCS: This conference also included delegates from other Canadian universities; did you have any opportunities to speak with them?

SS: I was able to speak to and listen to many colleagues from around the world, Canadian as well as from every continent that attended.

FCS: What did other participants think of the conference proceedings?
You met people from all over the world; did any new partnerships blossom out of this conference?
 
SS: I hope to be included in the planning of the next conference. I made several good contacts and enjoyed many conversations in several languages.

FCS: On the whole LU is a bilingual institution, but other languages are also considered important at the university level these days, including indigenous languages? How do these other languages play in in students' education at Laurentian?

SS: We have a large indigenous languages population in our region. Most, but not all of the indigenous communities speak Anishnawbe and there is a significant increase in the language and cultural instruction our university is fostering. We now hear those languages spoken and used at the university in cultural events. We are working with indigenous people's communities to design language recovery programs and to provide for immersion experiences in Anishnawbe. This is just the beginning of a commitment to cultural diversity.

FCS: Was this your first time in Finland? How did you enjoy your time here?

SS: I have been in Finland before and visited Oulu for a scientific conference. I love Helsinki!

FCS: Any other comments?

SS: Thank you for your request. I hope that my comments translate my perspective and add to your discourse.

FCS: Thank you Ms. Silverton we appreciate your time and effort. Come back to Finland soon.

See more on the conference at: http://www.palmenia.helsinki.fi/congress/bilingual2005/