Language Research

Under Act IV of 1972 on the Judiciary, nobody may be affected disadvantageously because of not knowing the Hungarian language. The same principal is set forth in Act III of 1952 on the Code of the Civil Procedure and in Act I of 1973 on the Code of Penal Procedure. Both laws state explicitly that everybody may speak his/her native language in legal proceedings. If the person to be heard in legal proceeding does not speak Hungarian and court is not fluent enough in the language used by the person, an interpreter shall be used for the hearing.

Persons belonging to national and ethnic minorities enjoy the right to have both their first and given names registered in their native language. At the request of the person belonging to the national and ethnic minority, birth, death or marriage certificates as well as other personal documents may be issued in his/her native language.

Members of the Parliament belonging to the national and ethnic minorities are guaranteed the right to use their native language in Parliament. Likewise, minority representatives enjoy the same right in local governments (not only in the minority self-governments).