Use of foreign words in public space

In recent years, the problem of excessive use of foreign words in public space has been actively discussed in Russia. In the names of shops, residential complexes, advertisements and signs, there are often Anglicisms and borrowings, which sometimes have no obvious need. This causes concern among linguists, politicians and public figures who advocate the protection of the Russian language.

In response, the State Duma has developed and promoted a bill aimed at limiting the use of foreign words in the public sphere. In this article we will consider in detail what the essence of this initiative is, what are its goals, current state, exceptions to the rules, possible consequences and opinions of experts.

Reasons for the appearance of the bill

The need to regulate language policy is explained by several factors:

Preservation of national identity
The Russian language is one of the key elements of national culture and statehood. However, its active clogging with borrowings, especially Anglicisms, raises fears that over time it will lose its uniqueness.

Literacy of the population
Some foreign words do not have direct Russian analogues or are used for other purposes. This creates confusion and can reduce the overall literacy rate of the population.

Advertising and marketing
Often, advertising campaigns are based on foreign terms, which makes them difficult for people who do not speak English. This is especially true for the names of stores, services and goods, where instead of clear Russian words, the words “sale”, “shop”, “fresh”, “fashion”, “food” and others are used.

Support for domestic producers
Some believe that foreign names give companies certain competitive advantages, as they are perceived as more prestigious. The introduction of restrictions can help the development of domestic business.

The main provisions of the bill

The bill, proposed by deputies of the state Duma in October 2023, proposes clear regulation of the use of foreign words in public space.

• Prohibited. use foreign words in the names of shops, signs, advertising slogans, as well as in the names of residential complexes and commercial facilities.
• All information for consumers should be presented exclusively in Russian or the official languages of the peoples of Russia.
• A list of acceptable foreign words will be created.which have no exact analogue in Russian.
• For violation of the rules, administrative fines are provided, the amount of which will be set additionally.

Status of the bill for 2025

October 2023 - introduction of the initiative in the state Duma.
February 2025 First reading, the bill received the approval of the majority of deputies.
March-April 2025 (expected) Second reading, possible amendments.
End of 2025 (intended date of entry into force) the possible signing by the President and the beginning of the law.

The bill has already sparked widespread public debate and may be subject to adjustments regarding exemptions and regulation.

Exceptions: When are foreign words allowed?

An important aspect of the bill is exceptionswithout which its implementation can lead to unjustified difficulties.

Trademarks and registered brands
International companies such as McDonald’s, Nike, Apple are not required to translate their names as they are registered trademarks.

Geographical names and proper names
Cities, countries, surnames, names of rivers, lakes and mountains are not prohibited.

Scientific and technical terms
For example, in the IT sphere, many terms have no Russian analogues (driver, processor, server, Internet, etc.), so their use will be allowed.

Historically entrenched borrowing
Words that have long entered the Russian language (theater, museum, football, restaurant, etc.) will not be banned.

Possible consequences of the introduction of the law

Positive effects

• Increasing the level of the Russian language Reducing speech clogging with foreign words.
• Supporting national identity strengthening the position of the Russian language as a state language.
• Simplification of perception of information People understand better what signs and advertisements mean.

Negative consequences

• Bureaucratic burden on business Many companies will have to change advertising materials and signs.
• The Danger of “Language Purism” Artificial displacement of foreign words can cause resistance in society.
• Blurred criteria for prohibition It is not always clear which word is foreign. For example, the words “business,” “manager,” and “advertising” are already ingrained in the language.

Limiting the use of foreign words in public space is an important step towards protecting the Russian language. However, its implementation requires balanced approach. On the one hand, it is necessary to preserve the national identity, on the other hand, not to create artificial difficulties for business and citizens.

The law is expected to be passed in the coming months, and its impact on society and the economy has yet to be assessed.