Sweden and language

(Sverige och språk)

Today, Sweden is a multilingual society to a far greater extent than before. Besides Swedish, we have the minority languages, Swedish sign language and many other languages. A great deal of English is also used in various contexts. This is why a language law is needed that regulates the position of the languages in society.

Swedish is the language that is spoken by most people in Sweden, either as a mother tongue or as a second language. The Language Act states that Swedish is the main language in Sweden. This means that Swedish is the common language in Sweden. It shall be able to be used in every area of society, such as in the contact between individuals and authorities. There are other languages besides Swedish that have long been in Sweden and are considered to belong to Sweden’s cultural heritage just like Swedish: Finnish, Yiddish, Meänkieli, Romani and Sami. These languages are Sweden’s national minority languages according to a decision in the Swedish Parliament.

Swedish sign language is used by the sign language group, which consists of deaf and hearing impaired individuals and their relatives. It has long been recognised by the parlament being on a par with the national minority languages. There are also all of the other languages that are spoken as a mother tongue by people with a foreign background. The Language Act states that everyone shall have access to the Swedish language, but everyone who has a mother tongue other than Swedish shall also be given the opportunity to develop and use their mother tongue.

Interpretation to other languages

(Tolkning till andra språk)

If you have difficulty speaking or understanding Swedish, you are entitled to an interpreter when you see a doctor, dentist or other caregiver. Caregivers can usually arrange an interpreter for you. Tell the staff that you need an interpreter when you first make an appointment.