Szólaljanak

Szólaljanak is a Hungarian verb form functioning as the present subjunctive (jussive) in the third person plural, meaning "let them speak" or "may they speak." It is derived from the verb szólal, which means to speak up, to voice remarks, or to express one’s views, particularly in formal or public contexts. The subjunctive form is created by adding the suffix -janak (harmonizing to the preceding consonant) to the stem szólal, yielding szólaljanak. In usage, szólaljanak expresses a directive or wish, similar to an indirect command, and is common in parliamentary procedure, official meetings, and broadcasted or written statements.

The form can appear with or without meg, as in szólaljanak meg, where meg adds a sense of addressing or voicing one’s views more fully. Typical contexts include inviting participants to speak, soliciting opinions from speakers, or directing attendees to present their remarks: "Kérjük, szólaljanak meg a meghívott szakértők," or "A napirendi pontnál a képviselők szólaljanak meg." Closer everyday equivalents are verbs like beszéljenek vagy mondják el véleményüket, but szólaljanak retains a formal, ceremonial tone.

Etymologically, szólal is built on the root szól- (to say, to speak) with the -al suffix, and szólaljanak represents the grammatical mood and number rather than a new lexical meaning. The construction reflects Hungarian mood systems that allow speakers to issue collective invitations or permissions in formal discourse.