How can language be used to break down borders in Norwegian society?

Growing up in Norway, I have always been told that people in my country have equal opportunities in life, and that this freedom comes from living in a welfare state. Looking at our immigration policies however, it becomes clear that Norway does not provide equal opportunities for all, beyond our own borders.

With nations comes language, and with language comes invisible borders. The lack of Norwegian fluency can impose an impression of someone not belong – not saying that immigrants do not belong in Norway, but rather that verbal language can create an illusion of being or not being connected to a place.

In order to comment on Norwegian immigration policies, I want to develop an equal communications platform/tool/language where users aren’t handicapped by their mother tongue or background.

Purpose

The project of my project is not to solve immigration issues or to speak from an immigrant’s perspective. Rather, I hope to open up a conversation about Norwegian immigration policies, targeting both policy makers and the public.

Further, I hope to comment on the function of language in society and how it can creates invisible borders, leading to a divide between fluent and non-fluent speakers.

Audience

My audience consists of two groups: Norwegian immigration policy makers, and people from the public concerned about Norwegian immigration policies.

(The lists below are not finished and should be worked on further to provide a complete audience overview)

Needs & wants

Norwegian immigration policy makers:

• To constantly be improving Norwegian society through iteration and development of policies.
• Successful systems in place to ensure that all Norwegian immigrants are integrated in society.
• Do the right thing → politicians have usually gotten to their current position through voluntary positions and hard work. I believe they are driven by their an urge to improve their world.

People from the public concerned about Norwegian immigration policies:

• Right-centred politic view → they want equality and higher immigration numbers
• Successful systems in place to ensure that all Norwegian immigrants are integrated in the Norwegian society.
• Speak about matters that are important to them (often using social media)