Rome (CNN) Italians who use English and other foreign words in official communications could face fines of up to €100,000 ($108,705) under the new legislation introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Italian Brotherhood Party.
Fabio Rampelli, a lower house member, introduced the legislation, which is supported by the prime minister.
While the legislation covers all foreign languages, it is specifically directed at “Anglomania” or the use of English words, which the draft says “degrades” and insults the Italian language, adding that it is even worse because United kingdom It is no longer part of the European Union.
The bill, which has not yet been put up for parliamentary debate, requires anyone holding a position in the public administration to have “written and oral knowledge and mastery of the Italian language”. It also prohibits the use of English in official documents, including “abbreviations and names” for job roles in companies operating in the country.
Foreign entities must have Italian-language versions of all bylaws and employment contracts, according to draft legislation seen by CNN.
The bill states that “It is not just about fashion, as it is with fashion, but English hum has ramifications for society as a whole”.
The first article of the legislation ensures that even in offices dealing with non-Italian-speaking foreigners, Italian must be the primary language used.
Article 2 makes the Italian language “obligatory for the promotion and use of public goods and services on the national territory”. Failure to do so could result in fines between €5,000 ($5,435) and €100,000 ($108,705).
Don’t say “bru-shetta” instead of “bru-sketta”
Under the proposed law, the Ministry of Culture will set up a committee whose terms of reference include “the correct use and pronunciation of the Italian language” in schools, media, commerce and advertising.
This means that saying “bru-shetta” instead of “bru-sketta” can be a punishable offense.
The move to protect the Italian language joins an existing effort by the government to protect the country’s cuisine.
she has Legislation has been introduced to ban so-called synthetic or cell-based foods Meloni’s health minister, Orazio Schellaci, said at a press conference that it was due to the lack of scientific studies on the effects of artificial food, as well as “to protect the heritage of our nation and our agriculture based on the Mediterranean diet.”
Last week, Italy’s Ministers of Culture and Agriculture officially included Italian cuisine in their nomination for a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will be slated for December 2025.
“Infuriatingly humble analyst. Bacon maven. Proud food specialist. Certified reader. Avid writer. Zombie advocate. Incurable problem solver.”