Petition addressed to:
European Parliament
We ask for the creation of an institution for English as a European language. The new institution should seize the opportunity for a major spelling reform. This undertaking should be carried out with a global perspective.
Reason
- Taking ownership of an important cultural tool
English is undoubtedly the lingua franca in most parts of the EU. It is used on all levels from rural highway gas stations to the European institutions.
It is time to take ownership of this important cultural tool. We need more than a style guide. We ask for the creation of a proper institution that takes care of English as a European language. This new institution has the task to develop and maintain a new variant of the English language, that is tailored to the needs of European citizens. Strong emphasis should be but on education. Recommendations and learning tools provided by the new institution should help to shape the English that is taught in European schools.
One of the core tasks of this undertaking must be a major spelling reform. It will undoubtedly be seen as a curse for the living, but it is a great blessing for all future generations. It is important for the European Institutions to size a unique opportunity here, it could well become a great gift to the world.
This spelling reform should be undertaken without taboos but in international cooperation. Great efforts should be taken, to convince all nations of the planet in joining the effort. In the end as much country, international organizations and other bodies as possible, should implement the reformed spelling. To foster this path, the reformed language should be called “International”.