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editorial Towards multilingual sciences Science is produced and disseminated through communication. The choice between different Anne-Claude Berthoud forms of commuVice-president of the Foundation Council nication therefore of the SNSF needs to be carefully examined. An increasing share of scientific communication is monolingual, English as a lingua franca being regarded as a condition for the universality of science. This principle, however, rests on the assumption that language is transparent, functioning as a neutral vehicle to express ideas and share discoveries. While the use of English has undoubtedly facilitated scientific exchange, it could also impoverish science if its use leads to scientific monoculture and standardised patterns of thinking. Multilingualism is the obvious antidote to this erosion of scientific cultures. It affords a plurality of perspectives and ensures that objects and phenomena are seen through different prisms. The SNSF aims to compete in the global arena and to foster different scientific cultures at the same time. By combining these two objectives, the SNSF has committed itself to promoting English without neglecting other languages.
N° 12 > march 2011
I n f o r m a t i o n f o r r e s e a r c h e r s f r o m t h e S w i s s N a t i o n a l S c i e n c e Fo u n d a t i o n
Language policy at the SNSF Switzerland thrives on linguistic diversity. But English is now the dominant language in academia. The Swiss research community must find a balance between regional identity and internationalisation. Philippe Trinchan, Press and Information Office
The SNSF has developed a rich linguistic practice. Members of the Research Council generally speak English when discussing proposals, while also using German and French for institutional and political matters. This “Swiss equilibrium” stands in contrast to the current trend towards globalisation. At the same time, English is also increasingly being used by the SNSF’s “clientele”. It is in this context that the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) adopted its own language policy which is not intended as a dogmatic set of rules but rather as a pragmatic framework.
Diversity as an asset The principles of the SNSF underscore the advantages that linguistic diversity lends to Swiss research. This diversity has enabled Switzerland to become a European and global hub. It is important to cultivate this asset and expand international research at the same time. English, the “lingua franca” of science, is indispensable, but it is not sufficient on its own. The SNSF encourages the use of English while ensuring that scientific and academic practice in Switzerland do not become standardised under the influence of globalisation. Language is an important element in the construction and circulation of knowledge (see editorial). Internally, the SNSF enjoys a balanced representation of languages in its bodies even though scientific debates on the evaluation of proposals and scientific communication with researchers
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Multilingualism is a strong antidote to scientific monoculture and standardised ways of thinking.
are generally held in English (except in some disciplines of the humanities and social sciences). The institutional communication of the SNSF is conducted in German and French. In international contexts, English and occasionally Italian are used. The SNSF is expanding the use of English to make services more accessible to researchers who have recently arrived in Switzerland. Hence, the periodical SNSFinfo print and the electronic newsletter will be available in English as of now. www.snsf.ch > Current > Dossiers Language policy
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