Mickoski: The Macedonian language is centuries -old, it is our tedem and undeniable identity

The Macedonian language is not just past, it is a bridge to the future. That’s why this jubilee is not just a moment of remembrance but also a moment of waking, the moment we say again – this is ours, this is valuable, this is eternal, said Prime Minister Christian Mickoski tonight at a solemn academy in the Macedonian National Theater on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Macedonian Standard Codification.

Quoting Misirkov and Koneski, mentioning the commitment of their predecessors – educators, revivalists and textbooks, the prime minister stressed that they are grammar figures who have laid the foundations of language as an identity mark and therefore, although it has been codified and become official in 1945.

– The Macedonian literary language was codified 80 years ago. It was more than an administrative act. It was a recognition of a deep, sincere, long and difficult struggle of a nation for its own name, its own expression and its own independence. This codification did not come out overnight. It has been the fruit of decades of work and endurance of great people and generations of intellectuals, teachers, poets, journalists, readers. Each of them put a word, thought, heart – the Prime Minister said.

He said that the language « is not something that is kept in the cabinet » and must be spoken, created and developed, and for that purpose, the biggest hope is young. He also addressed the Macedonians in the diaspora with a message to future generations to convey the Macedonian language which, he said, is « an integral part of our national tissue ».

Mickoski also sent a message about the importance of preserving the language because in the 21st century, he said, the fate of the small peoples is « to constantly confirm, fight and to keep their right to identity marking ». He emphasized that they are endangered by the powerful propaganda that « hits identity features ».

– And often we as a people have had such blows. And the pain is greater when they come from domestic people who, because of various personal or lucrative interests, will challenge or recklessly doubt some historical truth that confirms us as a people and nation. Language is our rampart and undisputed identity and as the President of the Government I will not give up our civilization right to speak in Macedonian, to represent myself in Macedonian, rejoice, mourn and sing in our centuries -old Macedonian language. Our grandfathers did that, our children will do that. That is why we will be shaken by many, we will be an obstacle to them, but I always know that I work for my citizens and our common homeland. And here we must not and we are not alone – said Mickoski.

He expressed respect and gratitude to the institutions and individuals dedicated to the Macedonian language: the Krste Misirkov Institute, MANU, the Faculty of Philology « Blaze Koneski »-Skopje and all University Departments of Macedonian Language, the Ministry of Education and Science and Teachers, Publishers, Poets, Poets.

Mickoski stressed that the Government will continue to invest in the Macedonian language, projects and support for the institutions they are implementing.

– through educational reforms, digital projects, dictionaries and standardization. To support publishers, media, writers and teachers, to strengthen institutions, such as the Krste Misirkov Institute and the Departments in the country, but also abroad. To invest in language programs and promotion of language through field technologies and international cooperation, to enable young new ones to form language expression – both in literature and in public life – said Mickoski.

The solemn academy started with an anthem performed by the children’s choir « Piccolo » at the DMBUC « Ilija Nikolovski -Louis » – Skopje, the national ensemble « Tanec » performed and there were recitals and interpretation of excerpts from works by Macedonian authors.