Ciao, hello, no! The Italian government wants to ban English words with fines

A far-right party led by the Italian Prime Minister, Georgia MeloneyIt has proposed a new law punishing the use of English and other foreign words in official communications with fines ranging from €5,000 to €100,000.

The purpose of this law, widely condemned in the country even by the greatest experts in Italian philology and linguistics, is valuable. Accademia della Cruscais “Preserve and promote the Italian language” And to protect the national identity according to the party Melony.

A new motion was introduced with the support of the Prime Minister Fabio Rambelli, Member of the Lower House of Italian Representatives. In a tweet posted on his Twitter profile, M.P“Anglomania”Italian politicians and officials could face fines if the law is enacted.

“In the Lower House of Representatives we speak Italian”Writes Mr. Rambelly. “We keep fighting to use our language instead of English. We don’t understand why we call a washing machine a vending machine a ‘dispenser’.”

Instead of using the word “distribute” In English, Govt Melony Officials prefer to use a more colloquial Italian expression: “Dispensador de Liquido Igienisante Per Le Money”.

Italian – like other European languages ​​- has adopted many English words in recent years because they were words for things. “message” It does not belong to the Italian tradition (computer, social media, smart work), the English language often offers a more concise and fast version of words that take a more active path to express in Italian.

On the other hand, for many, the use of an Italian word to match an English word adds a touch of authority and internationalism. For example, in ItalyCalling business meetings is common “Summary” Or use the word “Deadline” In a professional environment.

According to recent data, Drekani, the most respected Italian language encyclopedia, currently contains 9,000 English words and 800,000 Italian words. Since 2000, the number of English words entering Italian has increased by 773%.

The adoption of English words into Italian is the subject of endless debate in Italy, where opinions are divided between preserving the integrity of the national language and accepting that living languages ​​are fluid and constantly evolving.

A new bill for this Melony Public administration advocates a conservative approach aimed at virtually eliminating English words from schools and universities. According to the new law, “All course [universitaire] Those not specifically intended to teach a foreign language should be taught in Italian”. Foreign language courses are only justified if they are aimed at foreign students.

Any person engaged in public administration must be “Written and Verbal Knowledge and Proficiency of the Italian Language”.

According to the Bill, the use of English words “Degradation and Defacement” Italian, it’s even worse United Kingdom No longer a partEuropean union. The bill is yet to be debated in Parliament.