To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Italy's government wants to ban English and will fine up to $100k
Featured Image Credit: REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo/v. arcomano / Alamy Stock Photo

Italy's government wants to ban English and will fine up to $100k

Yes, you read that right. Italy wasn't to ban people from using the English line and will fine those who do so.

In rather bizarre news, Italy wants to stop people in the country from speaking English. Yes, that is right.

Unsurprisingly, English is the most spoken language in the world, with Mandarin slightly behind in second place.

While 96 percent of people living in Italy are native Italian speakers, English is actually second most spoken language in the country, ahead of the likes of French and Spanish.

Still, only 13 percent of the population speak English as a native or foreign language.

Nevertheless, Italian officials are now seeking to ban government departments and corporations from using the English language in an official communications capacity.

If the bill is passed and English is used, a huge fine would be on the way.
REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

And if the proposed bill is approved, then anyone who is found using English in official communications could face a whopping fine of €100,000 ($108,000).

Though the majority of people working in these companies are Italian and can speak the language, it can be a little tricky for those who are non-Italian speakers, or maybe those who do not have a great grasp on the language.

Not only English, but the bill would also prohibit the use of all foreign terms.

The right-wing Brothers of Italy party is particularly interested in stopping the rise of 'Anglomania', as it calls for the protection and conservation of the Italian language.

A draft version of the bill reads: "It is not just a matter of fashion, as fashions pass, but Anglomania [has] repercussions for society as a whole."

The strongly worded bill adds that English 'demeans and mortifies' the Italian language.

The bill claims that English 'demeans and mortifies' the Italian language.
v. arcomano / Alamy Stock Photo

It added that the language's popularity in Europe is even more 'paradoxical and negative' now that the UK is not a member of the European Union.

Not only will governments and corporations have to abide by strict rules if the bill is passed, university classrooms will also have to do so, unless they are teaching a foreign course.

Even government offices and private entities that mostly deal with tourists and non-Italian speakers will have to abide by the new law if it is passed.

As of yet, the bill is yet to be debated, and will require approval from both of Italy's house of parliament to become law.

But one person who is backing the new legislation is Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni.

Topics: News, World News