MINSK, 23 February (BelTA) – Belarusian Information Minister Marat Markov spoke in an interview to the STV channel about plans to stimulate interest in the Belarusian language and whether more Belarusian-language programs will appear on television, BelTA has learned.
Marat Markov recalled that he recently received a proposal to make about 45% of television programs in the Belarusian language. “But doing that would definitely be wrong. It is completely unjustified at this point. Why not 20%, not 15%? Why not a ratio that matches the current situation in Belarus, where 25% of people, according to censuses, speak Belarusian? The ministry’s position is that we need to work towards this goal. Calmly, progressively, and without creating language issues or problems. Because as a government body, we do not have the right to cause harm or create critical situations,” he said.
The minister noted that there is a polarization of opinions surrounding language issues in the country. “There are two diametrically opposed groups: one claiming that the Belarusian language is being marginalized in the country, and the other shouting that the Russian language is being marginalized. Both are not working for the benefit of the state. They are close to having it declared that they are promoting extremist ideas, because they are trying to sow discord in our society. We must fight against both groups,” said Marat Markov.
He added that Belarus has two official languages and one cannot be marginalized in favor of the other. “Just as one cannot marginalize the language of any of the 150 nationalities living in the counrty. This is the main principle: do no harm,” the minister explained.
Marat Markov pointed out that the media should contribute to positive changes in society. According to him, only just over 1% of the population prefers content in the Belarusian language, about 30% consume content in any language, and the rest prefer Russian. “This is the starting point we have today. I suggest conducting a similar survey in a couple of years to see how the situation has changed. This is not only a matter for the Information Ministry, but also for the Culture Ministry and the Education Ministry. It is a complex issue, if we truly want to stimulate interest in the wider use of the Belarusian language,” he said.
The minister added that work in this direction is already underway. “We have the opportunity, acting as clients, to encourage projects submitted to the commission that allocates funds under Decree No. 131 to be proposed in the Belarusian language as well. And we will continue this approach. We will pursue it calmly, without strain. Perhaps we have reached a point where we need to say that this stimulation should be more intensive, but while adhering to the conditions I outlined: preserving unity in society. Interest in the Belarusian language must be stimulated beautifully, skillfully, professionally, in a way that doesn’t repel people, but truly attracts them,” Marat Markov summarized.
Screenshot from STV channel video
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