[lg policy] Language Policy in Slovakia =?windows-1252?Q?=96_?=Means of Discrimination or Recognition?

[Harold Schiffman]

Language Policy in Slovakia – Means of Discrimination or Recognition?
Home Reference & Education Language
By: Charlene Lacandazo 	
Word Count: 451 	Digg it | Del.icio.us it | Google it | StumbleUpon it

   	

Over the years, many countries have been experiencing political
changes and sometimes, drastic policies have been imposed on the
people themselves. Many of these changes are related to language
policies in countries such as Slovakia, which raises the issue of
motivating the people to obey the rules of such language policies.

Why should government influence the language behaviour of people? What
is the positive effect of implementing a language policy for the
people and for the government? A language in a community as used in
particular settings has basically three functions; to express
thoughts, interaction and reference. However, a community without a
mutual understanding or a common language is very unlikely to be able
to obtain effective communication and harmony.

Perhaps languages do not often actually cause wars, but they are
usually a big factor that creates misunderstanding and conflicts
between people who belong to different ethnicities, religions, and
cultures. In a country like Slovakia, where the government itself are
strongly opposed to the Czech Republic, conflicts over the issue of
language can easily raise strong emotions. In addition,15% of the
population of Slovakia belongs to ethnical minorities, which basically
come from countries that are bordering Slovakia. Interestingly, most
of these minorities come from Germany, Hungary, Roma, Ukraine, the
Czech Republic, and Croatia, who have migrated to Slovakia between the
15th and the 19th centuries.

These minorities living in Slovakia tend to keep their native tongue
rather than using the language of Slovakian locals. However, due to
the great number of minorities living in Slovakia, language barriers
can easily be created. The Slovak language policy is one of the most
controversial laws in a democratic country. Many people, including
experts believe that this kind of law introduces discrimination and
prevents these minorities from preserving their mother tongue.
According to the law, Slovakian people, including minorities should,
use the State language, Slovak during public communications, such as
gatherings, simple public conversation, and other meetings.

Due to the language law implemented in Slovakia, people believe that
Slovakian elites are given too many privileges, which has drawn the
government to neglect the welfare and significance of minorities.
Slovakia, as a member of the European Union, should not ignore their
European civic obligations to ensure that they offer equal rights for
all people.

The poor language law of the Slovakia only promotes discrimination,
but does not protect minorities. Every country has its own government
with different rules, but a language policy that promotes restriction,
instead of recognition is not the way forward. It has a harsh effect
on people that simply aim to protect their identity and rich
tradition.

Charlene Lacandazo works for Rosetta Translation, a translation agency
specialising in interpreting services in London.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com	

http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051593547-1-language-policy-in-slovakia-means-of-discrimination-or-recognition/

-- 
**************************************
N.b.: Listing on the lgpolicy-list is merely intended as a service to
its members
and implies neither approval, confirmation nor agreement by the owner
or sponsor of the list as to the veracity of a message's contents.
Members who disagree with a message are encouraged to post a rebuttal,
and to write directly to the original sender of any offensive message.
 A copy of this may be forwarded to this list as well.  (H. Schiffman,
Moderator)

For more information about the lgpolicy-list, go to
https://groups.sas.upenn.edu/mailman/
listinfo/lgpolicy-list
*******************************************

_______________________________________________
This message came to you by way of the lgpolicy-list mailing list
lgpolicy-list at groups.sas.upenn.edu
To manage your subscription unsubscribe, or arrange digest format: https://groups.sas.upenn.edu/mailman/listinfo/lgpolicy-list