Comments on: Unique world languages https://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/unique-world-languages/ Andy's Travel Blog: Travel tips, culture, and more Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:08:17 +0000 hourly 1 By: San Inazio Festival Boise Basque Idaho - Backpacking Diplomacy https://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/unique-world-languages/#comment-705096 Sun, 02 Sep 2018 19:43:52 +0000 http://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/?p=3294#comment-705096 […] to attend the San Inazio festival in Boise, Idaho. San Inazio is an annual festival celebrating the Basque culture and it is hosted by the Basque diaspora in […]

]]> By: Andy https://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/unique-world-languages/#comment-2656 Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:24:44 +0000 http://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/?p=3294#comment-2656 In reply to The Guy.

Wow, I didn’t know that. I’m not surprised that the French did that, but actually pro-languages so I think that it is cool that they chose to include other languages. I am going to look that language up, I wonder if it is a minority language or one from a specific country? Anyways, I appreciate you sharing that with me. I love to learn new random facts, especially about things that interest me such as languages.And yes, I bet that guy is doing just fine with his job.

]]> By: The Guy https://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/unique-world-languages/#comment-2654 Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:51:02 +0000 http://www.backpackingdiplomacy.com/?p=3294#comment-2654 I heard a story a few years ago on the radio so I suspect it could be true. Apparently the EU had a debate a few years ago about what should be the functional language of the European Union government and all formal documents and directives. Most countries were open to the idea of English, after all it is the business language of the First World and most members could speak it.

However, it is alleged that the French were so stubborn and committed to their language (and we suspect anti-English) that they insisted that all communications were in the languages of each active and spoken language of all member states.

It turns out that there is some obscure language (I forget the name) which is only spoken by a handful or few hundred people in the EU. As a result of this discussion all documents have to be translated into this obscure language. There was only one recognised translator/interpreter in the world so he was hired. Can you imagine the salary he would command?

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