The Nordic syllabi and the Common European Framework of Reference : Similarities and differences

Sammanfattning: This study examines the similarities and differences between the Nordic syllabi (the Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian syllabi) and the influence CEFR has had on their structure and development. This was carried out using the method of hermeneutics, looking for similarities and differences using seven different dimensions of comparison. The study shows that there are similarities between the Nordic syllabi which have all been influenced by the CEFR. The most notable similarity between the documents is the communicative nature of teaching and assessment. This could give a deeper understanding of the Nordic countries' similarities and differences when it comes to language teaching. Further studies are needed using quantitative methods to say if these findings and connections between the Nordic syllabi are due to the influence of the CEFR or if other factors have been just as influential.