The RAE – Spanish for Royal Academy of the Spanish Language – has released an issue against the use of English in Ruth Lorenzo’s Dancing in the Rain, the Spanish entry in this year’s Eurovision.
There is no question that RAE’s authority has no match in linguistic terms for the Spanish-speaking communities all over the world. The institution regulates and promotes the correct use of the Spanish language in media and other institutions. Academicians decide which words go into the dictionary and which don’t and they are widely popular for their conservative attitudes towards language change. It comes as no surprise then that they oppose the use of English in this year’s entry.
The news has created a buzz and has got the attention of the Spanish media. RAE sent a short letter to TVE stating their official position “there is growing unrest over the issue of language in the Spanish entry for Eurovision this year” – they said.
Ruth Lorenzo speaks out: “I want to hear what Spain has to say”
Ruth has expressed her willingness to sing for her people in whatever language they choose. She has recorded three versions of her entry: there is a Spanish, English and bilingual version of Dancing in the rain. “I want European viewers to understand what I am singing. I want Europe to see that Spanish youth does speak English and is as qualified as any other youth in the whole Europe”
TVE: “The televoting is what counts”
TVE has issued a press release stating that the right of language choice is reserved to the public broadcaster and has gone on to say that Eurovision entries are addressed to a wide audience and are often sung in English.
This is related to some of the discussions we have been dealing with in EscUnited. What do YOU think? Have your say!
