MACEDONIAN LANGUAGE IN PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

Abstract

The article deals with three aspects of the usage of the
Macedonian language in public communication. In general, there is a
tendency to use colloquial language features in public communication,
including official settings, political discourse, etc. To ensure a positive
development of Macedonian language usage in public communication, it
is indispensable to work towards elevating the awareness and knowledge
of the use of Macedonian language in public communications using
publications, campaigns, etc. The second aspect is the language landscape
as part of public language use, which encompasses different types of
public signage, graffiti, and advertising materials used in public spaces,
on the radio, and on TV. Regarding Macedonian in public domains, it is
important to have in mind that this material is regulated by several laws,
among which two are the most important: the Law on the Use of the
Macedonian Language from 2024 and the Law on the Use of Languages
from 2018. The third aspect is dealing with the language terms used to
designate language status: official language, national language etc. In
regard to the status of Macedonian and other languages in Macedonia, the
above-mentioned laws are also important. It is noted that language
policies in Macedonia have changed after 2001, especially after 2018,
placing greater emphasis on the principle of territoriality in granting
official language status.