Globalization process affects state language, Hasanov says
The role of media in the preservation and development of literary language was on focus in Baku last week to draw attention to importance of efforts to protect the language from undesirable outward impacts. An emphasis was made on providing special care to preserve the purity, development and enrichment of the state language in Azerbaijan.
"The globalization process did not bypass the sphere of the use of state language of Azerbaijan," said Ali Hasanov, president’s aide for public and political affairs.
Making the remark at a conference, titled “The Role of Media in the Preservation and Development of the Azerbaijani literary language” on October 6, Hasanov said that language plays a crucial role in the establishment and development of national statehood.
“Indeed, along with the fact that the Azerbaijani language is one of the main attributes of our state, it is also an important element of the ideology of Azerbaijanism, its dual function of political and socio-cultural support,” noted the top official.
He said Azerbaijani language is a unique socio-cultural phenomenon uniting all citizens of independent Azerbaijan.
Hasanov said that the Azerbaijani language has gone through various stages of history before reaching its current level.
He said that after gaining independence, Azerbaijan took important steps regarding the native language.
“The legislative framework has been improved. Mastering technology in the modern era caused negative cases, alongside with its improvements. Unfortunately, sometimes the media violates norms and principles of the state language. Sometimes shortcomings observed in the dubbing of films regarding the state language. Basic grammar not adhered to in street and square advertising. The National Television and Radio Council (NTRC) has the power to protect the language on TV channels,” he said.
In his closing speech, Hasanov said that violations of the norms of literary language have become a tendency in Azerbaijan.
"At the conference our main duties and targets in all spheres were mentioned, and I am absolutely convinced that this is not an issue of the media only. If the issue of purity of the Azerbaijani language is on the agenda, parents and nurses, secondary and higher schools, NGOs and the media all have to do their own part. What procedures does a host go through until he gets there? Everyone must understand that there is a geographical area to keep the Azerbaijani language alive and that is this area. It’s Azerbaijanis living in Azerbaijan and abroad,” the presidential aide said calling on everyone to be responsible for this issue.
“Hosts must have complete mastery of our language and also have charming physical characteristics. It is even better if a host is highly intellectual,” he added.
Hasanov noted that over the past decade TV channels have developed inclination towards artificial ranking and fake surveys.
“In the first place, heads of media outlets and TV channels need to know that they present an example to society. It’s no use inviting to live programmes those who have nothing to offer to Azerbaijani society,” he said.
The conference, held with support of Azerbaijan’s National Television and Radio Council was attended by state and government officials, linguists, parliamentarians and media executives.