Language policy SteR

SteR put its language policy on paper in early 2020. The reason for this was that some non-Dutch speaking PhDs and researchers indicated that they had difficulty integrating into the predominantly Dutch-speaking environment of our faculty. Expectations on both sides do not always match. In its recruitment, the university and/or faculty creates the impression of offering a very internationally oriented environment. To avoid confusion and inconvenience, SteR applies the following principles:

1. As long as a substantial part of the colleagues is Dutch, it is realistic and justified that the language of communication within the faculty and within SteR is Dutch. In general, Dutch will also be the language of academic discussion, at least for lectures and seminars that deal with Dutch law. Here the use of the Dutch language will even contribute positively to the level of the discussion. This is why we want to make it clear(er) from the outset to prospective SteR researchers from abroad that a successful integration into our faculty requires at least an excellent passive command of Dutch (essentially C1-level) as soon as possible. The faculty offers support in this respect.
2. At the same time, every colleague is expected to have at least a passive command of English at C1 or preferably C2 level. Whoever speaks English will therefore always be understood. We want to promote a two-language standard in the sense that everyone has a passive command of both English and Dutch at a minimum level of C1. In this way, everyone can feel free to speak either English or Dutch at scientific meetings and be assured of being understood by those present.
3. Written communication from the faculty and from SteR should in principle always be available in English as well, if only to prevent new foreign colleagues from missing out. ‘In principle', because it often requires a disproportionate amount of time to convert everything into English, certainly where it concerns purely Dutch law subjects and meetings.