A bill proposed in California could pave the way for the inclusion of diacritical marks, such as accents, on official government documents. This move would allow for a more accurate representation of how millions of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds spell and pronounce their names.
Introduced by Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), Assembly Bill 77 seeks to allow diacritical marks on a range of documents, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates, if it is passed.
When English was declared the official language of California in 1986, the use of diacritical marks on government documents was concurrently prohibited. The Department of Public Health has subsequently deemed the use of such marks unacceptable, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Diacritical marks are utilized in numerous languages, including but not limited to French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Czech, and Swedish. Intriguingly, the largest ethnic group in California is Hispanics or Latinos, accounting for approximately 39% of the state’s population.
The remainder of California’s population consists of 35% white, 15% Asian American or Pacific Islander, 5% Black, 4% multiracial, and fewer than 1% Native American or Alaska Native, as per U.S. Census data.
The bill is currently being debated by lawmakers. Should it pass both houses, it would then be forwarded to Governor Gavin Newsom for either approval or veto. This proposed legislation underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the diversity that characterizes modern American society.