Carsonszabály

Carsonszabály, also known as Carson's Law, is a Hungarian legal principle that mandates the use of Hungarian language in official documents and communications within the country. The law was named after its primary proponent, Ágnes Carson, a Hungarian lawyer and politician who advocated for the preservation and promotion of the Hungarian language in official settings. Carson's Law was enacted in 1997 and has since been amended several times to strengthen its provisions.

The primary objective of Carson's Law is to ensure that Hungarian is the official language of Hungary, thereby promoting linguistic unity and cultural identity within the country. The law applies to various sectors, including government institutions, public administration, and certain private entities. It stipulates that all official documents, communications, and publications must be prepared and disseminated in Hungarian, with the exception of documents that are explicitly intended for foreign audiences or are already available in another language.

The enforcement of Carson's Law is overseen by the Hungarian Language Council, which monitors compliance and provides guidance on language-related matters. The law also includes provisions for the protection of minority languages, allowing for the use of these languages in specific contexts, such as in educational institutions or in communications with minority groups.

Carsonszabály has been a subject of debate and controversy, with some critics arguing that it infringes upon the rights of minority languages and cultural groups. However, proponents of the law maintain that it is essential for maintaining the linguistic and cultural integrity of Hungary. The law has been amended to address some of these concerns, but the ongoing debate reflects the complex nature of language policy in Hungary.