Language is a central means by which we carry out and organise our daily work. Workplaces are – and have been – also sites of multilingual encounters. Linguistic diversity is a normal condition in many workplaces. It is a resource and poses challenges to individual workers, to the organisation of work processes and to societal development. Is linguistic diversity at work an advantage or a disadvantage, a good or a bad thing? The film explores multiple aspects of multilingualism in the workplace and how these relate to each other. It demonstrates that the question can be answered with both yes and no. By visiting and comparing contemporary and historical workplaces and a range of different languages in the multilingual North of Norway, the film unveils the complex interplay of diversity, communicational resources, work processes, responsibilities, ideology, and individual and cultural identities. Although some voices would promote a one-language-for-all strategy, multilingualism and diversity are an inevitable reality in our evolving society. Therefore, we might as well learn how to encounter it and how to deal with it under the multiple specific, practical conditions of work. Our research shows some paths for how scientific knowledge about language and culture can be applied to meet the arising challenges.
The original Norwegian version of the Film:
A film by 1001 Films for UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Funded by the Research Council of Norway (SAMKUL)
Director and producer: Anwar Saab
Manuscript: Florian Hiss and Anwar Saab
©1001 Films 2019