In Russia, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, backed by his liberal democratic party, is leading a movement to outlaw the use of English words. Why
say English words like “performance” or “dealer” when there are Russian equivalents?
Zhirinovsky thinks that Russians will soon be pronouncing like Americans if
this disrespect to their language doesn’t stop. The law he wants to pass would
outlaw over 100 English words. If Russians were to use any of the words on this
list then they would face fines and possible dismissals from their jobs.
There are so many things wrong with this movement. Language
evolves with people who use it, not by laws. Just because Russians use words
such as “sale” on an advertisement does not mean that those people should be
punished for it. Zhirinovsky is overly nationalistic and needs to realize that
the language of the people changes naturally and effectively. Here in America
we have adopted many words, such as “rodeo” and “déjà vu”, to help explain our
thoughts and actions. It’s quicker and more effective to say the term “déjà vu”
then to say “I think this has happened before and I’m getting weird vibes”.
This is the same in Russia. People adopt words to help explain their thoughts
better, not to disrespect their culture or language.
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