# Language news, Saturday, 31 October 2026

Compiled by Richard Brooks's language news desk. Canonical: https://richard-brooks.com/language-news/2026-10-31/

## Ireland approves first draft Irish Language Standards for public bodies

Policy. Under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021, the standards turn Irish-language service from a body-by-body promise into set rules, starting with departments, councils and utilities. Consultation runs over the coming months.

Source: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/press-releases/commencement-of-consultation-process-on-the-language-standards-announced-by-minister-calleary/

## North Ossetia passes its first law on Ossetian and Russian as state languages

Policy. Introduced by republic head Sergei Menyaylo on 15 Jul, it also orders place names and road signs, with some rules starting in 3 years. Federal law still lets Russian stand in when a reply in Ossetian is not possible.

Source: Lenta novostei Vladikavkaza, https://alania-news.ru/society/2026/10/29/35689.html