President Stevo Pendarovski addressed today the 55th Summer School of the International Seminar on Macedonian Language, Literature and Culture, which is being held in Ohrid from August 17 to September 2, 2022.
Wishing successful work at this year’s School, President Pendarovski emphasized that this is the best, the right way to promote the Macedonian language, literature and culture and our country in general.
“All of us who utter Macedonian words are guarantors of its existence and strength. No document, declaration, statement can ensure the existence and lasting of a language if it is not alive, that is, if no one uses it”, President Pendarovski said, emphasizing that as long as there are speakers of a language, it will exist. As long as we exist and speak Macedonian, no negation, footnote, remark or whatever, will cover up the truth.
Below is the full text of President Pendarovski’s address.
Distinguished participants in the 55th Summer School of the International Seminar for Macedonian language, Literature and Culture,
Distinguished organizers,
Dear guests,
It is a particular honor and pleasure to greet you again this year, at the 55th Summer School and to wish you a warm welcome to Ohrid and the Republic of North Macedonia. I sincerely hope that, apart from the study of Macedonian language and deepening your knowledge of Macedonian literature and culture, you will have the time and opportunity to enjoy the enchanting beauty of Ohrid Lake and its surroundings and be inspired by ancient Ohrid.
Having in mind the really tight schedule with lectoring courses and theme-specific lectures during the day, as well as the presentations, promotions and interactive events foreseen for the evenings, you are facing two very intensive weeks featuring a rich programme and content. This seminar, as I expect, will strengthen your linguistic connection to our country, literature and culture, but also with the Macedonian citizens. You are actually building lasting bridges that connect individuals, peoples and cultures. It is a true honor and pleasure for us to see that Macedonian language is the connecting tissue for so many of you who belong to different states and cultures.
Since I mentioned the programme of this year’s Summer School, I wish to take this opportunity and in addition to thanking all friends of the Macedonian language from all meridians, I wish to give recognition to the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius as well as all individuals included in the organization and realization of the Summer School and the International Symposium within the International Seminar on Macedonian language, literature and culture, for the five decades of dedicated work.
You have undoubtedly chosen the true and genuine way of promoting Macedonian language, literature and culture, and of our country in general. Thanks to you, we are enriched with thousands of friends who continue to be promoters of Macedonian language and cultural ambassadors of the Republic of North Macedonia. My plea is to continue with your noble mission in the future. I wish to express my personal unconditional support, and saying this, I believe I speak not only in my name, but also on the behalf of all those who speak Macedonian language.
Dear friends,
Language is a living entity – it has its own dynamics and development and as such, it inscribes anthropological phenomena and draws from the culture and horizon of its speakers. Its power of expression allows us to express our thoughts and share our inner universe, thus creating a communication that goes well beyond everyday life and material things.
The universe of the Macedonian language as our only complete homeland, if you allow me to quote Koneski, contains the positions, views, feelings and ideas of our ancestors, ourselves and our future generations. We are happy that, for five and a half decades, the Macedonian language universe has been visited by thousands of good-intentioned, dedicated and open-hearted people who left their mark and lasting contribution.
As long as there are speakers of a language, it will continue to exist. As long as we exist and speak Macedonian, no negation, footnote, note or any of the like will not be able to cover the truth. All of us, pronouncing words in Macedonian, are guarantors of the existence and strength of the language. No document, declaration or statement can enable the existence and durability of a language if it is not living or in use. Therefore, each of us within our setting, home, professional environment, in places of leisure and sports events, at cultural manifestations and in spiritual temples, when we reflect and discuss, let us speak in Macedonian and thus expand the universe of the Macedonian language.
At the end, allow me to wish you a pleasant stay and fruitful and successful work of the 55th Summer School of the International Seminar for Macedonian language, Literature and Culture.
Thank you.
