The Italian government issued a law on March 23, 2022, outlawing the use of English in internal official communications. It is required by law that all official correspondence, forms, and papers be written in Italian, which is the country of Italy's official language. The action aims to protect Italian language and culture while also fostering togetherness and national identity.
Recent years have seen an increase in the use of English in official communication, but this new rule seeks to buck that trend and promote the use of Italian. The bill has drawn praise and condemnation, with some hailing it as an essential move to safeguard Italian culture and others warning that it would undermine Italy's competitiveness and ties abroad.
A draught measure that would impose fines of up to €100,000 on public and commercial enterprises that use foreign terminology, notably English, instead of Italian in official communications has been introduced in the parliament by the party of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, has admitted to using foreign phrases in her speeches even though she has underlined the need of strengthening the Italian language and culture.
All governmental and commercial organisations would be required to market their products and services using Dantean language if the law is adopted by both houses of parliament.