2024-04-19 16:16:29
What does the retail chain “Rimi” think about this and how does the State Lithuanian Language Commission (VLKK), State Language Inspectorate assess this situation?
The table has a wide variety of reactions
There was an avalanche of criticism about this photo in the comments. Some were angry, why Lithuanians and citizens of other nations have to learn Russian and speak Ukrainian, even though they live in Lithuania. All the more so – if a foreigner has been living in Lithuania for some time, he is expected to learn the state language at least to some extent.
Others write that there are more minorities in Lithuania, and Ukrainians who fled the war often speak Russian.
“Who adapts to what?” – such a question arose, to which more people responded, stating that, in principle, they should not go shopping to such cash registers where they have to speak another language. Still others, not lacking in irony, asked: maybe it is necessary to pay in rubles?
However, there were also people who tried to understand how foreigners who came to Lithuania feel – it is not so easy for them to learn the Lithuanian language.
In addition, there were examples of how, for example, a Ukrainian woman working in a pharmacy already speaks Lithuanian perfectly, while another working in a cafe was also able to serve customers in Lithuanian.
We also managed to find praise for another Ukrainian woman in the comments, who, after working as a cashier, tries to communicate in the national language.
Sorry if it was misunderstood
“Rimi Lietuvos” public relations manager Eglė Krasauskienė for the portal lrytas.ltcommenting on this decision of the retail chain, first of all emphasized that Rimi was one of the first retail chains that provided assistance to Ukrainian refugees suffering from the war in 2022: they offered jobs so that they could more easily integrate into society.
It is estimated that more than 3,000 people currently work in the chain’s stores. employees, 150 of whom are Ukrainians.
“We understand that learning a new language – especially Lithuanian – can be a challenge. But of course we encourage them to do it and we see their efforts. However, not everyone feels confident in speaking Lithuanian, so we ask for understanding from our customers if an employee in the store does not speak Lithuanian.
We always ensure that there are employees in the store who also speak our national language. Then, when a buyer comes who does not want or does not speak Ukrainian or Russian, the employee always directs him to a Lithuanian-speaking employee to help him shop or to answer questions of interest,” the submitted comment states.
The retail network apologizes if the notice that appeared in the store was misunderstood.
A. Valotka: I assess it negatively
The head of the State Language Inspection, Audrius Valotka, who evaluated the decision of the shopping chain, told the portal lrytas.lt assured that he views it negatively.
“Stipulations regarding the provision of the state language for Ukrainian war refugees (the longest postponement period in the entire European Union) do not exempt employers from the obligation to ensure the linguistic rights of Lithuanian citizens, enshrined in the Constitution and the Law on the State Language. If the buyer does not know or does not want to communicate in a non-state language, the company must ensure that there is an employee nearby who can communicate in Lithuanian.
If we want foreign nationals working in trading companies to learn the Lithuanian language faster, we can help them: apply in Lithuanian and wait for a Lithuanian response at least at the lowest level of language proficiency, teach new words or their pronunciation”, taught A. Valotka.
He also shared a study by the Center for Eastern European Studies, which found that almost 90 percent Ukrainians in Lithuania plan to learn the state language. It is emphasized that Ukrainians tend to learn Lithuanian not because of social pressure or discomfort, but because of respect for the host country.
“Language is learned most quickly and best not in learning courses, but by trying to communicate it in a suitable linguistic environment. Therefore, I consider the proposal of the RIMI administration to speak in non-Lithuanian as an obstacle for Ukrainians to properly integrate in Lithuania”, concluded A. Valotka.
Questions have arisen not for the first time
VLKK chairman Violeta Meiliūnaitė portal lrytas.lt informed that due to such situations, when it is not possible to communicate in Lithuanian in shops, this is not the first time that people themselves are concerned.
“There is no doubt and it is completely understandable when Lithuanian citizens support and try to help refugees from Ukraine to integrate into society as much as possible. However, the Russian language, which is often associated with the aggressor country, is causing more and more tension in society.
Therefore, the retail chain should ensure that Lithuanian-speaking colleagues work alongside employees who have not yet learned the Lithuanian language, and that customers receive service in the national language as well. In addition, before making a decision on cases of language use or non-use, retail chains could consult with the State Language Inspectorate or the municipal language administrator,” states the submitted comment.
Back in the middle of 2023, VLKK, taking into account the fact that companies and institutions have employed a number of Ukrainians since the start of the war in Ukraine, reminded what the requirements are for both employees and employers.
“Part of the Ukrainians working in Lithuania are hall workers, drivers, auxiliary workers, who have minimal contact with the customer. However, many work at cash registers, waiters in cafes, restaurants, nurses in hospitals and polyclinics, consultants in pharmacies, teachers and their assistants in educational institutions, accountants and project managers in business enterprises.
Employees holding these positions must speak Lithuanian at the A2 and B1 levels,” VLKK representatives reminded.
However, for war refugees from Ukraine, the requirement of knowledge of the official language is not applied for 24 months after the granting of temporary protection to a particular person.
“This means that they can work without restrictions where it is necessary to know the Lithuanian language, but the decision about the work is left to the managers, especially in areas where the knowledge of the Lithuanian language is related to people’s health and safety. It is important to note that the 24-month deadline does not start from 2022. on March 16, and from the date of granting refugee status to a specific Ukrainian citizen,” the comment explains.
It is also emphasized that users have the right to information and services in the Lithuanian language, regardless of the employee’s nationality or status. So, if a person who does not speak the official language works in the store, there should be another person nearby who can serve in Lithuanian.
2024-04-19 16:16:29