Languages spoken across numerous European communities, including Catalan and Romany, with over 80 dialects identified within the EU.
3-Minute Deep Dive: A Language Revolution within the European Union
In a bid to promote linguistic diversity, the European Union (EU) is considerating incorporating Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official languages, mirroring debates around similar initiatives in some member states. Here we explore key facts, controversies, and insights surrounding this potential transformation.
Currently, the EU recognizes 24 official and working languages, including German, Bulgarian, Danish, Slovak, and many more. However, there are regional or minority languages in multipleEuropean nations, such as Catalan, Irish, and Sami not yet officially enshrined within EU institutions. Here's what's at stake:
Catalan, Basque, and Galician: Bids for Official Status
The Spanish government has proposed granting full official status to the aforementioned tongues within the EU starting from 2027. The move echoes progress made with Irish, which gained equal standing with English in 2022 following a long wait due to language translation shortages.
But does this mean Catalonia, Basque Country, and Galicia would follow Ireland's path? Not necessarily. The integration of a regional language requires collaboration from all EU countries, as discussed below.
The Difficulty of Adding a New Language
Altering the EU’s linguistic landscape isn't a trivial process. To become an official language, a region's tongue must first overcome several hurdles:
- Proposed by a Member State: A member nation, not a regional government or body, musts put forth the request, willing to shoulder translation and interpretation expenses.
- Amendment of Regulation 1/1958: To add a new language, the regulation (currently recognizing 24 official languages) must be amended unanimously by the Council of the European Union.
- Unanimous Council Approval: All EU members must support the proposal.
- Legal and Practical Implementation: Once approved, the language must be used for all official EU documents and real-time interpretation provided in debates.
- Negotiation and Discussion: Extensive behind-the-scenes conversations take place to address member states’ concerns over costs, logistics, and legal clarity.
Upcoming Challenges: Brexit, Funding, and More
As the EU grapples with the diaspora caused by Brexit, the possibility of further language additions raises concerns about costs and potential legal implications. For instance, adding Catalan, Basque, and Galician would reportedly cost Brussels 132 million euros annually, with around 20 million residents in territories with co-official languages.
Moreover, concerns about finite resources and the potential strain on interpreters and translators persist, amplified by the diverse linguistic landscape of the EU. As tensions grow, so does the debate around whether to move forward with language inclusivity, or whether to preserve resources for the 24 established official languages.
Beyond the Official Frontier: Regional and Minority Languages
Catalonia, Basque Country, and Galicia aren't the only regions in Europe where minority languages seek official status. For example, Finland constitutionally protects Sami and Romani minorities, as does Sweden for meänkieli, Sami, and Yiddish. Similarly, the Czech Republic recognizes Ukrainian as well as Poland, which legally safeguards Belarusian, Hebrew, Yiddish, Rusyn, Romani, Tatar, and Kashubian.
Portugal appears to be exceptionally progressive in this regard, as the official language is Portuguese; however, a 1999 law acknowledges the linguistic rights of Mirandese, a dialect spoken in the municipalities of Miranda do Douro and Vimioso. Further, Germany recognizes Sorbian, a Slavic language, as a non-official language in Brandenburg and Saxony.
A look Ahead: Diversity and Integration
By seizing the richness and diversity of regional languages as an integral part of European heritage, the EU could foster innovation, unity, and understanding among its member states. Nevertheless, navigating this sensitive topic demands delicate negotiations, prudence, and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of language policy with national and regional identities that define the European Union.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to prioritize knowledge exchange between nations, support for regional language speakers, and a balanced approach to the integration of minority tongues. Here’s hoping that our awareness of this crucial aspect of European identity empowers us to reap the rewards of a multilingual continent united in its diversity.
- Integrating Catalan, Basque, and Galician into the EU's official languages could potentially broaden the food-and-drink landscape, as regional recipes may gain representation in official EU documents, enriching the culinary diversity within the Union.
- The home-and-garden sector might also benefit from language inclusivity, as manuals, best practices, and garden-related advice could be translated into the newly added regional languages, making them more accessible to native speakers.
- As the EU considers incorporating Catalan, Basque, and Galician into its official languages, debates around linguistic diversity may spill over into other aspects of lifestyle, such as arts, music, and literature, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural richness within the Union.
