Prishtina, 21 February, 2023
On the International Native Language Day, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, hosted the working group for the formation of the Unit for harmonization and translation in the Government of Kosovo.
Multilingualism is important to multiculturalism and supports it. Tolerance is replaced by cooperation and solidarity, said Prime Minister Kurti.
Congratulating the International Native Language Day, Prime Minister Kurti said that linguistic diversity, in addition of being an element of rich cultural heritage, is also a means to achieve increased intercultural understanding and cooperation in our society.
Evaluating the achievements in the use of languages in Kosovo, the commitment and joint efforts to address the deficiencies that still exist were emphasized. In the meeting, the importance of implementing the Law on the Use of Official Languages in Kosovo was reiterated, as well as the work and steps taken so far for the establishment of the Translation and Harmonization Unit within the Prime Minister’s Office were evaluated. This will facilitate access to information of public interest, ensuring quality translations of laws and by-laws in the official languages of Kosovo.
Multilingualism and education were singled out as essential for maintaining cultural identity and for learning about the culture of others, as well as for strengthening ties between communities. The establishment of the Balkan Program at the University of Pristina, where students from all communities can learn the languages of the Balkan peoples, was appreciated. In this program, the only one in the region, students from different communities learn the languages of the region together, as well as learn about anthropology, linguistics and translation theories.
In this meeting, which was also attended by the Commissioner of Languages within the Office of the Prime Minister, Slavisa Mladenović, as well as Elizabeth Katherine Gowing, advisor to the Prime Minister for Community Affairs, the commitment and efforts of the Government to ensure the protection of the right to use the official languages for all citizens of Kosovo, to work and achieve results together.
Last modified: February 22, 2023