How more official languages could eventually mean less diversity
In their loftier moments Brussels politicians say that languages are an expression of the European Union's unity in diversity. What they seldom admit is that languages are a logistical and expensive headache, as well as a cause of nationalistic squabbles. All these could increase when the tally of official languages in the EU rises from 20 to 23 on January 1st 2007, with the addition of Romanian, Bulgarian and Irish.
There is impeccable democratic logic for the EU to do business in the language of its citizens: hence the addition of Bulgarian and Romanian when these countries join next month. It is less obvious why Irish is being added to the list. Although it is an official language of Ireland, it is a minority one that the Irish government declined to use when it joined in 1973. The government concedes that less than half the population can speak it and a mere 5% actually use it. But Charlie McCreevy, Ireland's European commissioner, insists it is central to Irish cultural identity.
Asserting cultural identity may be more important in a growing club. Ireland's decision has raised the stakes for other countries. Last year Spain requested semi-official status for Catalan, Galician and Basque. The Spanish government will ...+
Reference: From The Economist print edition
Suggestion: Kevin Mundy
In their loftier moments Brussels politicians say that languages are an expression of the European Union's unity in diversity. What they seldom admit is that languages are a logistical and expensive headache, as well as a cause of nationalistic squabbles. All these could increase when the tally of official languages in the EU rises from 20 to 23 on January 1st 2007, with the addition of Romanian, Bulgarian and Irish.
There is impeccable democratic logic for the EU to do business in the language of its citizens: hence the addition of Bulgarian and Romanian when these countries join next month. It is less obvious why Irish is being added to the list. Although it is an official language of Ireland, it is a minority one that the Irish government declined to use when it joined in 1973. The government concedes that less than half the population can speak it and a mere 5% actually use it. But Charlie McCreevy, Ireland's European commissioner, insists it is central to Irish cultural identity.
Asserting cultural identity may be more important in a growing club. Ireland's decision has raised the stakes for other countries. Last year Spain requested semi-official status for Catalan, Galician and Basque. The Spanish government will ...+
Reference: From The Economist print edition
Suggestion: Kevin Mundy
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