Preserving your own language

Over the past few weeks there has been much public discussion in Sweden about the Swedish language. Many see immigration and the country's numerous subcultures as a linguistic threat. The Stockholm newspaper takes a more optimistic view, but still says it would be a mistake to neglect the Swedish language for the sake of misinterpreted internationalism. "Of course, we must use English in international contexts. But why do our scientists write their theses in a language which they do not speak perfectly, instead of writing them in their own language and having them translated by a professional translator? Pragmatic reforms could make a great difference in this respect. Imposing draconic bans on the use of English terms, as the French have done, is simply foolish. But in the end, continually promoting the Swedish language at universities, in public administration and in large companies would – paradoxically – have a beneficial effect on multicultural society."

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