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An interpreter wearing headphones in a booth overlooking a United Nations conference room.
World

Can UN General Assembly delegates speak in a language outside the six official languages?

Published

Verdict
True
Verification confidenceHigh

Explanation

Yes. Having six official languages does not prevent a UN General Assembly delegate from speaking another language. The delegation must provide interpretation or a written translation into an official language under the applicable arrangements.

UN Geneva's meeting guidance explicitly cites General Assembly rule 53. It explains that UN interpreters use the supplied interpretation or accepted written text to interpret the statement into other official languages. The educational publisher CliffsNotes independently describes the same allowance.

The six official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Permission to deliver a speech in another language does not give that language official status. When a written translation is used, UN Geneva's guidance also requires someone from the delegation to help interpreters follow the speaker through the text.

Key takeaway

A non-official language can be used for a speech, provided the delegation supplies the necessary language support.

Evidence

Meeting guidance allows non-official languages

United Nations Office at Geneva

Supports the claim

Citing General Assembly rule 53, the guidance allows statements in non-official languages when a delegation supplies an interpreter or a written text in an official language. Additional support is required when using a written text.

Based on: United Nations Office at Geneva

Independent educational explanation confirms the allowance

CliffsNotes

Supports the claim

The explainer states that a delegate or guest speaking an unofficial language must supply interpretation or a written version in an official UN language.

Based on: CliffsNotes

The UN has six official languages

United Nations Office at Geneva

Provides context

UN Geneva lists Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish as the UN's six official languages.

Based on: United Nations Office at Geneva

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