Language recommendations
Communication from Stockholm University must be reliable regardless of the recipient. This is fundamental for the university as an authority and societal actor with the core missions of research and education.
Stockholm University's internal and external communication must focus on the recipient's needs and circumstances:
- true and correct
- accessible and open
- credible
- cultivated, simple and comprehensible
Plain language ("Klarspråk")
The language used at Stockholm University should be cultivated, simple and comprehensible, what is also known as plain language. Effective communication benefits from plain language, and well-written texts add to the university’s good reputation. Plain language can be summarized as:
- adjusting to the target audience;
- having an appropriate structure;
- being clear and comprehensible;
- being accessible, inclusive and respectful
Especially in a higher education setting, the first aspect is worth emphasizing, since what is considered clear and comprehensible language may vary between contexts to a great extent. All staff are expected to use a plain language in speech and writing, adjusted to the context and to the audience.
More information about plain language can be found on the Language Council of Sweden's website (The Institute for Language and Folklore):
The Institute for Language and Folklore – Plain Swedish language
Writing guidelines at Stockholm University
Stockholm University uses British English when translating from Swedish and when communicating in English with the outside world.
We use the Swedish Council for Higher Education's dictionary for higher education.
Svensk-engelsk ordbok för den högre utbildningen (in Swedish)
In addition to this, we also have writing guidelines for Stockholm University. We have gathered the highlights below:
Name of the organisation
Stockholm University is the official Swedish name and the word ‘universitet’ is always spelt with a lower case u in Swedish. The English translation, to be used internationally, is Stockholm University.
The abbreviation SU is not an established abbreviation outside the University and may therefore only be used in contexts (naming, printed matter, outgoing letters, etc.) where it is clear that Stockholm University is the sender. For example, when the Stockholm University logo is included and the recipient cannot misunderstand that it is Stockholm University.
It is not permitted to create your own logos with the abbreviation SU.
You must seek permission to use the abbreviation SU in printed matter, outgoing letters, etc. from the Head of Communications at the Communications Office.
English names of departments, centres, offices etc. can be found here:
Reference system
Guidelines on how to write publication titles and references can be found under the heading ‘Reference management software’ at Stockholm University Library.
Academic titles – Abbreviations
For academic titles, degree abbreviations either include all stops or no stops.
Examples:
Ph.D. or PhD
M.A. or MA
British English academic terminology
Those who study at the university are students (not pupils). They study at the university (not the school), have seminars and lectures (not classes) in seminar rooms and lecture theatres (not classrooms).
Abbreviations
Abbreviations, truncations, etc
In general, we omit full stops for any title, degree or acronym.
Examples:
Mr, Dr, etc.
PDF, MBW, SOFI, etc.
When in doubt, err on the side of spelling it out. Remember to be consistent within a document and ensure that the abbreviations are easily understood.
Visiting addresses
Each entrance has a unique address with a number and street name to be given, together with the name of the building, in connection with visitor addresses.
Terms used at Stockholm University
Stockholm University uses British English when translating from Swedish and when communicating in English with the outside world.
You can find recommended translations of both general academic and university-specific words and concepts, as well as links to recommended dictionaries and glossaries on the Glossary of commonly used terms at Stockholms University.
Designation of Stockholm University areas, sub-areas and buildings
Area: Stockholm University area
Sub-area | Buildings |
|---|---|
Albano | Alba Nova |
Bergius Botanic Garden | Edvard Anderson Conservatory, Victoria House |
Frescati: | |
Norra Frescati |
|
Lilla Frescati | Botaniska institutionen |
Frescati Backe F | Frescatibackehusen |
Södra Frescati |
|
Frescati Hage | |
Kräftriket | |
Campus Kista | |
| Filmhuset | |
| Garnisonen | |
| Spökslottet |
The University's profiling texts
The profile texts (long, medium and short version) are summarised descriptions of Stockholm University.
See the policy document Communications policy for Stockholm University
Translator
Staff can use the translation services that have been officially procured for the University.
Språk- och översättningstjänster i Avtalskatalogen (in Swedish)