Skopje, 26 January 2024 (MIA) - Lawmakers adopted Friday the Law on Use of the Macedonian Language, which will replace the one dating from 1998. MPs unanimously endorsed the law at the session chaired by newly-elected Speaker Jovan Mitreski.

The law prescribes mandatory proofreading of all materials and naming of proofreaders, mandatory employment of proofreaders in all public institutions and state authorities, schools, publishing houses and media, which is expected to yield more interest in Macedonian language studies. An inspectorate supervising the law's application will also be set up.

Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska said prior to the vote that efforts to protect and promote the Macedonian language have been rewarded, noting that the new law offers solutions and mechanisms to build a proper linguistic policy, and additional safeguards to strengthen the observance of the Macedonian standardized language and its correct use.

"Today we are making a true endeavor in promoting the language and strengthening the Macedonian identity. Our relationship with the language shows clearly the intentions of all those taking part in the transparent drafting of the law. The language has also been subject to partisan politics but we demonstrated there is no compromise with the language, the culture and the Macedonian identity," said Minister Kostadinovska-Stojchevska.

The new law, she added, provides legal grounds for adoption of a national strategy for the Macedonian language, also producing important initiatives such as scholarships for students in the fourth year of secondary school and university, thus motivating young people to study the Macedonian language.

MIA file photo