Skopje, 22 February 2023 (MIA) – The second debate of the #CultureTalks series, organized by Europe House in Skopje on Wednesday, focused on the protection and promotion of the mother language.

The vital significance of this day for the promotion and protection of all languages was highlighted at the debate, held in honor of International Mother Language Day. It is also important to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity.

Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska, EU Ambassador David Geer, professor Vesna Mojsova-Chepishevska, European Literature Award Laureate Petar Andonovski and Macedonian language lecturer Dejan Vasilevski were the debate panellists.

Minister Kostadinovska-Stojchevska said we must work to nurture the Macedonian language and expressed satisfaction from the fact it has been recognized by the EU as an official language.

She pointed out that several important milestones will be celebrated in culture this year, and in that context, several projects of the Macedonian Language Institute are supported, through which their 70th anniversary will be celebrated, as well as the celebration of the 120th anniversary since the publication of Krste Misirkov’s Za Makedonckite Raboti (On Macedonian Matters).

Ambassador Geer added that his mother language is English, and he is closely connected to it and feels the advantage of speaking a widespread language. He also expressed his pleasure with the fact that the people he works with try to keep him in the loop with Macedonian literature, and that it has a lot to offer to the EU.

Professor Vesna Mojsova-Chepishevska, director of the Seminar for the Macedonian Language, Literature and Culture, said that Macedonian literature has survived throughout the past regardless of the denial of the Macedonian language. Quantity does not always breed quality, she said in response to a question about why the Macedonian language is studied so little, and that it should be studied by those who truly love the language and want to apply it.

Andonovski said the activities undertaken by the Seminar for the Macedonian Language, Literature and Culture to promote the Macedonian language are significant, but the battle can’t only rely on individuals – the state must do more. He said that there is a need to create a Book Agency that will affirm and promote Macedonian literature throughout the world, and the importance of participation in book fairs, especially the one in Frankfurt, where there should be a different approach to promotion.

The new Inspectorate for the Application of the Macedonian Language, which will be set up under a new draft Law on the Use of the Macedonian Language, will be in charge of controlling the application of the language.

Students, journalists, lecturers, librarians and others chimed in with their own opinions during the debate. dk/ik/