Luxembourg and the English Language

I recently read in the news about a petition launched in Luxembourg, calling to add English as an official language of the country. This is not the first time such a petition is launched. In 2019, a similar one failed to gather enough signatures to be discussed in the Parliament. 

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, has already 3 official languages: French, German and Luxembourgish. English is becoming more popular, and is already the main language used in the Financial sector, one of the key industries of this small country. Petitioners believe that adding English to this trio of official languages will attract more talent to immigrate and integrate to this country and will help the country to promote “global integration”. 

Approx 54% of the population speaks Luxembourgish, also known as Lëtzebuergesch, as their mother tongue. This is more or less the same estimated percentage of nationals living in the country. With more than 45% of the population made up of foreigners living in the country, we can have an idea of how multicultural this country really is. 

The educational system of the country places an emphasis on languages. Unlike in other multilingual countries where parents chose the language of education of their children, in Luxembourg everybody needs to learn all the official languages. In preschool, children learn in their mother tongue, but the language of alphabetization is German. During the second grade of basic education, they start learning French. In High school, students already study their different subjects in German and French and start learning English. During the final years of High school, they have the opportunity of start learning another language. When they finish High school, they are able to communicate at least in Luxembourgish, French, German and English. After graduation, students are prepared to continue with a degree in another country. But if they decide to stay home and enrol in the University of Luxembourg, they might need to continue using English, French and German to get their degree.  

According to the Languages Law of 1984, “French, German or Luxembourgish may be used in administrative and judicial matters” . Any citizen can address the public administration in any of those three languages and should receive a response in the same language. Luxembourgish is the national language of the Grand Duchy, and is the spoken language of the political establishment, while French is the written language of the legislation. It is interesting to see that regular interventions in the Parliament and in the Executive are in Luxembourgish, but they are instantly transcribed in French. 

German has been the predominant language of the media. Luxembourgish is gaining ground as a spoken language in the TV and Radio. The use of French is increasing in the Printed media. Here there is a special mention of the regular use of Portuguese, the main language of immigrants, in magazines. 

But the presence of English language in this society is growing in areas such as Financial, Tourism and in other areas that employ expat workers. More and more people are tuning in to TV channels and radio that broadcast in English. This language is already the main one in use whenever 2 or more non citizens gather for professional or social reasons. 

Is it a Good idea to make English an official language of this multicultural and multilingual country? In my opinion they do not need to make this move. English has already a long history being widely used without any official support (It is not even official in the UK or the USA). It seems that this language is making its way into the society of Luxembourg. The educational system already makes sure students know enough English when they start higher education. I don’t see how making English official will change the culture of Luxembourg. This country has already a lower unemployment rate (5.7%) than the average of the Euro zone or the EU in general. If the job market need more skilled workers who know English, they will recruit them, no matter if English is official or not.