Skopje, 5 May 2023 (MIA) - Congratulating May 5 - Macedonian Language Day on Friday, Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska expressed hope in continuing the practice of raising awareness about the Macedonian language, not only in media, but on a statewide level.

"The new draft bill on the use of Macedonian language is a response to new developments and processes happening in society. This positive news is why I expect that the bill will easily pass in Parliament, with all procedures, as it is a matter of national interest," said Kostadinovska-Stojchevska, in response to a reporter's question about the bill that was proposed by the Ministry of Culture.

Introduction of an inspectorate for the use of standard Macedonian language, that is to be a part of the Ministry of Culture as a legal entity, is an important innovation. The inspectorate will point to irregularities found in the public use of Macedonian language, and in institutions that have not hired a proofreader. It aims to warn, and then with a mechanism take appropriate measures, was stated from the Ministry of Culture.

"Every institution must have a proofreader. It will help us encourage students to study Macedonian language, while we keep offering scholarships," the Culture Minister told a panel discussion on affirming the Macedonian language and Cyrillic alphabet. She expressed hope that more candidates will apply for proofreading certification.

According to her, this way, several institutions are connected together to encourage young people and students to commit themselves to preserving and promoting the Macedonian language.

The Minister of Culture pointed to the draft law amending and supplementing the Law on State Awards, which introduces two more state awards- "Blazhe Koneski" for achievements in the field of Macedonian language and studies, and "Remzi Mesimi" for achievements in the field of Albanian language and studies.

"The two awards will be presented on the dates of birth of the two state award name holders in December," the Minister of Culture added.

Asked how much the Macedonia language is being protected and what the country will do about it, Kostadinovska-Stojchevska said that just as it was stated at the 2022 Intergovernmental Conference, the Macedonian language is protected.

"The Macedonian language belongs to North Macedonia and its citizens. Any other country that cares to make any statements can do so freely. As long as we speak our language, take care of our Macedonian culture, we are protected. Language is a living thing, it cannot be defined by someone voting in someone's Assembly or some other meeting. As long as we speak it, it will live on. As long as we nurture our Macedonian culture, it will live on," stressed Kostadinovska-Stojchevska.

University professor Iskra Panovska-Dimkova, head of the Macedonian department at the Faculty of Philology "Blazhe Koneski", said that they have remarks about language in media, on a written and jurisprudential level, and therefore a panel will be held this afternoon. While noting that if a text is proofread, journalists would not know how to read it well-enough.

"Pronunciation can range from bad to worse. From using Skopje slang on broadcasts located in Skopje, which is such a bad pronunciation that is difficult to listen to, to the use of dialects on broadcasts nationwide. Both dialect and slang have their place, but it should not be on public media," noted Panovska-Dimkova. ssh/nn/

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