The language police

The Estonian Government is coming under fire due to their Language Inspectorate and some recent changes in the law. The Language Inspectorate’s job is to make sure everyone working in Estonia can speak a good level of Estonian. The new powers granted to the division mean that they can recommend the dismissal of an employee for low language skills, make them re-sit the national language exam, and take away the right to work of those who fail the exam.

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Comments from Colm:

Was it just my misunderstanding or does Amnesty International stand for the protection of human rights? What could be more important that the right of a sovereign nation to protect and promote their cultural and linguistic wealth in their homeland? Russians have been given the opportunities. They have been in the country for decades and many do not want to learn the Estonian language. They speak Russian in their communities (in Estonia) and go to Russian speaking schools. If the Estonian government gave Russian speakers more rights (in work-place situations for example) they would not have ANY incentive to learn Estonian.

Comments from Eva:

Why is it wrong to preserve one of the oldest languages of Europe? Why is it wrong for this small nation to protect itself and still be able to be an important part of Europe’s multicultural society? Russians have all the chances to learn Estonian - the courses by employers for example, the children learn it in schools etc. All their attempts to learn it are being granted - they get their money for their courses back. Do you think they aren’t been given time? How does 50 years sound? The Russian border is close and it’s no problem for them to go where they will be treated “fairly”.
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