Nov 17, 2026 Erika Styf

Knowing Society, Acting in Society: Multilingual Civic Orientation for Migrants in Finland

Abstract:

This presentation introduces a doctoral research project examining multilingual civic orientation among Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking migrants in Finland. Multilingual civic orientation is part of Finnish integration policy and aims to provide newcomers with basic knowledge of Finnish society, services, rights, and opportunities for participation in a language they understand best. The research explores civic orientation from three perspectives: (1) the content of learning materials, (2) practical implementation at the municipal level, and (3) migrants’ experiences and perceptions of civic orientation and access to societal information. The empirical data consist of Finnish- and Russian-language learning materials, semi-structured interviews with organizers, trainers, and participants, and an anonymous online survey of Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking migrants. The data are analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The theoretical framework draws on epistemic justice and epistemic agency, examining how civic orientation can support migrants’ access to societal knowledge, agency, and opportunities for meaningful participation in Finnish society.

Biographical Note:

Erika Styf is a doctoral researcher in Translation Studies at University of Eastern Finland, with a background in community interpreting and translation (Finnish, Russian, Ukrainian). Her doctoral dissertation focuses on the realization of the epistemic rights of migrants in integration services. Particular attention is paid to the multilingual civic orientation course for migrants.