Belarusian users are calling on Meta to add their native language to the interface of popular social networks. A corresponding appeal has appeared on the Change.org platform. The author of the petition, Zakhar Yanouski, stresses that the absence of a Belarusian localisation after 15 years of Instagram’s existence looks unfair.
The petition notes that around 9 million Belarusians are active users of Meta’s services but are forced to choose Russian, Ukrainian or English versions. This creates a number of problems. The absence of the language in international services creates a false impression of its status, both among Belarusians themselves and among foreigners.
For foreigners, the names “Belarusian” and “Russian” sound similar, so the presence of the language in the interface is an important step toward asserting national identity.
The presence of a national language increases user loyalty, as people often prefer products with Belarusian localisation, Yanouski adds.
“The Belarusian language is a separate, independent and fully fledged language that deserves to be present in international services,” the appeal says.
The author of the petition is not only making demands but also offering concrete assistance. He says he is ready to organise for Meta both a team of professional translators and volunteer linguists who would carry out the work and maintain the Belarusian version in the future.
To support the initiative, users are encouraged to visit the Change.org page and leave their signature.
