“The Macedonian language is a spiritual treasure of special cultural and historical significance for the Republic. The use of the Macedonian language as an official language is a right and an obligation of the Republic”- Article 2 of the Law on the Use of the Macedonian Language[1] (hereinafter referred to as “the Law”).
The Law regulates the use of the Macedonian language as an official language on the territory of Macedonia and establishes the need to protect, promote and enrich the Macedonian language. The law also contains provisions on proofreading, which stipulate that official texts of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities, local self-government, textbooks, broadcasts, the press, translations and other texts published in accordance with the law must be proofread in Macedonian.
The latest amendments to the Law on the Use of the Macedonian Language, adopted in 2024, provide for the proofreading of all materials, with the publication of the name of the proofreader, qualified employment of proofreaders in all public institutions and government bodies, in state institutions, schools, publishing houses, media, which is expected to increase the interest in learning the Macedonian language. This is expected to increase the interest in studying the Macedonian language.
Proofreading may be carried out by a person who has passed the proofreader’s examination, i.e. who has obtained a proofreader’s licence in accordance with the provisions of the Law. A proofreader’s licence is issued by the Ministry of Culture after passing an examination in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Legislative amendments will be prepared under the supervision of a special body, which was established for this purpose – Inspectorate for the use of the Macedonian standard language. At the same time, the Law provides a legal basis for the adoption of a National strategy for the Macedonian language. The amendments to the Law will lead to many important initiatives, including scholarships for students in their final year of high school, as well as for undergraduate, masters and doctoral students.
The amendments to the Law will create a modern law that contains numerous solutions and mechanisms for building an appropriate language policy, mechanisms that serve to strengthen respect for the standard Macedonian language and its correct use. It is hoped that this will increase young people’s interest in studying in this field, while at the same time strengthening Macedonian identity and culture.
[1] “Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” 98/2005, 89/2008, 116/2010, 187/2013, 152/2015, 193/2017).