Armenian economic entities paid total of AMD 6 mln for breaking language law in 2012: State Language Inspection

YEREVAN, February 21. /ARKA/. The Armenian economic entities which violated “Language law”in 2012, were fined nearly 6 million drams (14,700 US dollars), Head of State Language Inspection at Ministry of Education and Science Sergo Yeritsyan told reporters, Novosti-Armenia informs.

In 2012, the Inspection progressed  nearly 75 administrative proceedings. Protocols on violations were submitted to the court for the further consideration, he said  Thursday at a news conference dedicated to International Mother Language Day. 

Yeritsyan stated in half of cases the verdict met Inspection’s claims, and total amount of penalties stood at nearly six million drams. He also clarified some cases are still being considered in the courts. 

However, less Language law violations have been reported in the republic over the past two years, and the main infringements come from ad posters only in foreign languages.

“Two years ago I believed even ten years were not enough to reduce by half the number of violations. But today, two years later, I can say that due to media and civil movement, the efficiency of our work has risen by 50%,” Inspection chief said. 

As to law breaches on TV and the radio, Yeritsyan noted the quality of oral language in this segment had quite improved.

“As to online editions, sometimes we notice grammatical and stylistic mistakes in the texts, but it happens because of the fast-speed reporting. 

However, these mistakes are later edited,” he said appealing to the citizens to carefully use their mother language, protect and not mar it.

International Mother Language Day is an observance held annually on 21 February worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It was first announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999.

In 2005 the permanent parliamentary commission for education, science and culture headed by current Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan approved amendments to the law on holidays and memorable days. Herewith, International Mother Language Day is celebrated in Armenia on February 21.  -0-