Taisyklingos kalbos vartosena studentų akimis
Usage of Correct Language in the Eyes of Students

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the issue of the prestige of Lithuanian. After recognition of Lithuanian as the state language, one of the principai objectives in language policy has been to make impact on the evolution of Lithuanian so that the society perceive the value of the mother tongue and were not disillusioned with its abilities, as stated in the Guidelines on the State Language Policy 2003-2008. The Law of the State Language declares that the statė takes responsibility for the prestige of Lithuanian. However, speeches by politicians and public activists, broadcasts of different radio stations and TV channels, visits to chat rooms on the internet will hardly give an example of pride in the mother tongue. The article seeks to investigate students' opinions related with the usage of correct language, to find out how they understand the prestige of Lithuanian and whether they have motivation to speak correctly and whether the present language environment satisfies them. With reference to the results of the sociolinguistic analysis, the conclusion is that the surveyed part of the society (the students) is not indifferent to language issues: they are concerned at both the prestige of Lithuanian and the language used during lectures at university. The results of the research could be useful in dealing with the current issues on language policy and in forming a positive image of Lithuanian.

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