Multilingualism in Utrecht - LUCIDE City Report

Abstract

In this report we present a broad picture of multilingualism in the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands. The report is the result of a research conducted as part of the LUCIDE network (Languages in Urban Communities: Integration and Diversity for Europe). The LUCIDE network is formed by 13 European cities along with research teams from Ottawa and Melbourne. A more detailed description of the network will be presented in chapter 3. The main aims of the network are: 1. to build up a concrete picture of how communication occurs in multilingual settings across the EU and beyond; 2. to help institutions (local authorities, schools, hospitals) and local and national economies make better productive use of diversity as an economic resource and to strengthen social cohesion by fostering better communication and mutual understanding; 3. to understand better how the cultural richness of these new cities can strengthen the “diverse unity” of the 21st century. The city of Utrecht is full of examples of manifestations of bilingualism. One of our main findings however is that the public’s opinions on plurilingualism differ according to its type. Bilingualism in Dutch plus another European or Western language is considered something positive which enables communication with foreigners and adds to the city’s character. Bilingualism in Turkish or Berber (large migrant languages) plus Dutch, on the other side, is considered an obstacle to integration. In the course of this report we present data and examples of plurilingualism and multilingualism in Utrecht which help to define the city. In the final chapter we add some recommendations to improve the positive aspects and impact of multi/plurilingualism and to deal with their challenges in the best possible way.