"> Name: Poland, language purity laws

Date: 1995 - present

Location: Europe

SubjectLanguage ,Political/Economic/Social Opinion

MediumCommercial/Advertising


Artist: Polish merchants, business community

Confronting Bodies: Polish Lanuage Council

Date of Action: August 2000

Specific Location: Poland

Description of Artwork: Use of the words, "supermarket," Music club," and "plaza."



Description of Incident: These words have been outlawed by the Polish Language Council through a language purity law enforced in August 2000. Simultaneously, another language purity law forces broadcasters to ensure that one-third of the music played on radio stations is Polish.



Results of Incident: Violators of these edicts could face heavy fines.



Source: Index on Censorship, 6/2000

Submitted By: NCAC


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