The post-fascist party "Fratelli d'Italia", led by the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, plans to impose fines for the use of other languages, in particular to introduce English to the public. The proposed law includes allowing communication in foreign languages at public administrations, universities, schools, media and advertising. In addition, it also involves monitoring the "correct pronunciation" of Italian. The Italian government's decision is reminiscent of the Turkish government's actions in the 1990s. Turkey banned the speaking of other languages in public and in the educational system under Law No. 2932 Article 2: "The publication of ideas in a language other than the first official language is prohibited.“ It was valid from 1926 to 1991.
The suppression of language is an attack on the cultural identity and freedom of speakers. In Turkey, this was especially aimed at the oppression of the Kurds Self-determination and freedom are the fundamental values of our society, which we must uphold and protect. That is why we are shocked by the recent demands of the Italian government for a language ban. This idea, which aims to ban the use of the native language of migrants in public, is not only outrageous, but also a violation of their fundamental rights – this must be taken seriously.
Depriving immigrants of the right to use their mother tongue in public deprives them of an essential means of participating in the community. It is a fact that learning the national language is essential for successful integration, but it must not lead to a restriction of individual freedom. Moreover, such a language ban is a serious threat to cultural diversity. We live in a globalized world in which people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds live together in a very confined space. A cultural monoculture is not desirable and would harm the diversity of our society.
We should focus on promoting multilingualism and improving integration services. We must ensure that all people, regardless of their origin and language, have the opportunity to participate actively and equally in our society.
