Federal Language Commission
The Federal Language Commission is an independent government agency in Nouvelle Alexandrie responsible for regulating and promoting the use of the country's official languages: Wechua, Alexandrian, Martino, Santanderian, and Wakara. The responsibility for regulating and promoting the use of the country's regionally-recognized languages was left to the regional and local governments. It was established in 1693 AN as part of the New Prosperity Plan's cultural preservation, development, and restoration projects. The Commission is governed by a board of 12 commissioners, with equal representation for each official language community. Commissioners are appointed by the King on advice of the Premier for six-year terms and must be approved by the Cortes Federales. The Commission has an annual budget of approximately NAX€45 million (1729 AN and a staff of over 500 employees across twelve central regional offices. It works closely with international bodies like the Académie Alexandrin and other bodies.
Functions
The Commission's primary functions include:
- Setting standards for the use of official languages in government, education, business, and media. This includes publishing official dictionaries, style guides, and terminology databases.
- Providing language training and certification programs for civil servants, teachers, and other professionals. Proficiency in at least two official languages is required for most government jobs.
- Funding research into linguistics, translation, and language technologies. The Commission sponsors scholarships and grants for academics and institutions working on official languages.
- Promoting linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding through public outreach campaigns, festivals, and educational initiatives. The Commission organizes an annual Language Week celebration.
Criticism
While credited with preserving Nouvelle Alexandrie's unique linguistic heritage, the Commission has faced criticism for enforcing "artificial" standards that don't reflect everyday speech, as well as for marginalizing minority or regional languages like Babkhi, Ladino, and others. Other critics argue that its policies infringe on free speech and impose burdensome regulations.
