Polish President Vetoes Bill To Recognise Silesian As Regional Language

ISTANBUL, Feb 13 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Thursday vetoed a bill to officially recognise Silesian as a regional language, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Nawrocki vetoed the bill granting Silesian official language status after it was passed by parliament on Jan 9 and approved by the Senate a couple of weeks later.

Silesian, spoken in communities across south-western Poland, has long been the subject of debate over whether it is a distinct language in its own right or merely a dialect of Polish.

“I respect and greatly value the tradition and culture of Silesia. It is an integral part of the heritage of the Republic of Poland. However, scientific facts are not established by a vote in [parliament],” Nawrocki said.

He also cited experts and linguists suggesting Silesian is a dialect of Polish.

“We cannot create a precedent in which a political majority decides scientific matters,” he said.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU