The key element of the amendment was recognition of the Wilamów ethnolect as a regional language within the meaning of the 2005 Act. However, Nawrocki questioned whether this decision was based on solid scientific grounds.
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The President recalled that according to the justification of the act The Wilamowice language is the indigenous local language used in Wilamowice (Bielski County, Silesian Voivodeship).
Karol Nawrocki justifies his decision. “Objective verification needed”
Nawrocki pointed out that There are doubts whether the recognition of Wilamowski as a regional language is substantive or merely symbolic and political.. In his opinion, it is necessary objective assessment based on scientific data.
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The president pointed out that linguists do not have a uniform position: :
- some experts say that the traditional speech of the oldest inhabitants of Wilamowice is a separate language,
- others believe that Wilamowski belongs to the Western Germanic language groupso it does not meet the criteria of a regional language within the meaning of the Act.
The bill will go back to the Sejm, which may:
- take into account the president's objections and introduce changes,
- or override the veto by a 3/5 majoritywhich seems politically difficult at the moment.
The president's decision means that the status of the Wilamowski language remains unchangedand the discussion about its formal recognition will continue.
