Serbian and Albanian languages in Kosovo should be in equal use, however situation in practice is different, thus translations similar to Google translate could be seen in laws and official documents. Signs in Albanian language are prevailing in Pristina, whereas in Serb-majority Mitrovica North there are no signs in Albanian language, whereas Serbian Cyrillic alphabet prevails.
Language Commissioner, Slavisa Mladenovic, points out that the law which provides equal use of Serbian and Albanian languages is expensive, however its consistent implementation would contribute to improved situation when it comes to rights and positively influence on interethnic relations. However, he highlighted as a positive indicator that there is no more fear of use of Serbian language in Pristina, and Albanian language in Gracanica.
“When one enters Kosovo or walks through Pristina streets, at first sight it is clear that Law on Use of Languages is not fully respected,” says Mladenovic. Office of the Language Commissioner was established in order to improve this situation in practice and it provides recommendations with regard to improving the use of languages, foremost in institutions, whereas residents whose language rights are nor respected can file a complaint with this office. ”Proper use of languages at courts and proper translation of laws are preconditions for just court trials,” warned Mladenovic, and said that language should serve for approximation and reconciliation of communities in Kosovo.
