What initiatives would I propose when I am elected? a.k.a Arvind’s dreams 4/20 Language rich city for all!
Helsinki is a bilingual city, with both Finnish and Swedish as official languages.
The population of Helsinki is around 630 000. More than 100 000 of them have registered something other than Finnish, Swedish or one of the Sámi languages as their mother tongue.
The population of Helsinki is around 630 000. More than 100 000 of them have registered something other than Finnish, Swedish or one of the Sámi languages as their mother tongue.
But in the city’s public communications, non-official languages are used from very narrow perspective, and only when it is seen as absolutely necessary. Hence, inclusion of one varying third language in all communications from the city would be a welcome improvement!
With this small addition, we can add to the happiness of city dwellers of different backgrounds on our streets and in our public spaces. At the same time, we can also normalise and even celebrate our city’s diversity!
A changing third language is indeed a beautiful thought, but wouldn’t it serve only a small minority of the population in each instance? Maybe, but it would add a feeling of belonging, which is a must when we want a city that is for the many, and not just the few!
