The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada approved in the first reading the draft law on the use of English in Ukraine, initiated by President Vladimir Zelensky. According to information from the People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak, the project №9432 was supported by 278 deputies.
One of the key provisions of the bill is to maintain duplication of films in English with Ukrainian subtitles. The project also determines the peculiarities of the use of English in various fields, including the work of authorities, local self -government, emergency care service, intersection of state border, education, culture, transport, health care, etc.
The bill proposes to establish the requirements for English language proficiency for certain positions, in particular, in public service, local self -government, servicemen, police, prosecutors and others. In addition, requirements can be applied to the heads of the public sector of economy.
The main purpose of the bill is to improve the English language among Ukrainian citizens, which is marked as a key competence in the face of globalization changes. The proposed changes are also argued by the European integration aspirations of Ukraine and an attempt to recognize European standards in the field of language policy.
It is important to note that English is now officially recognized in 58 countries, but the bill emphasizes its status as a language of international communication and key tools in the global information space.
