Marco Civico, Ilaria Masiero, UniGE
The RAMAL project (Reconnaissance et Accréditation des Migrations Academic et Linguistique - Recognition and Accreditation for Academic and Linguistic Migration) will investigate linguistic diversity within the Swiss Federal Administration (FA), focusing on individual plurilingualism in the form of specific skill sets and their practical application. It also aims to deepen the understanding of collective multilingualism within the FA. This topic is of significant interest from both scientific and political perspectives. In addition to examining language skills and practices, the project will analyse the representations, attitudes, and motivations of relevant actors regarding plurilingualism, from the standpoint of language policy.
The RAMAL project complements a 2022 study on the supply of language training by analysing the demand side, recognizing that, while both are necessary conditions, it is their combination that is crucial to enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of plurilingualism within the FA. The study will survey members of the FA regarding their language skills, their perceptions surrounding linguistic requirements within their roles, and their attitudes toward linguistic diversity.
The project will employ empirical research techniques involving questionnaire-based surveys of FA employees conducted within an interdisciplinary analytical framework.
The overarching goal of the RAMAL project is to identify the variables which influence language skills within the FA. Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding of language skills and practices used within the FA, the identification of effective measures to promote plurilingualism, as well as insights into the language expectations of employees. The project will develop concrete proposals for refining training offerings and enhancing language use within the administration, with potential implications for other public administrations facing similar challenges.