Programmes aimed at language teaching do not have to use Slovak, nor do theatrical pieces prepared in foreign languages. The obligation to use Slovak as well at cultural events where the Czech language is spoken has been cancelled.
Non-standard use of the Slovak language in public speeches is allowed as well, as long as it is used with a functional purpose. Minorities can use their native languages at healthcare and social facilities in Slovakia provided that they do so in towns and villages where at least 20 percent of the inhabitants come from the given minority.
Associations, political parties and social groups will have to prepare financial and technical reports and statutes both in the state language and in the language of the minority that runs the given group.
Inscriptions on memorials, monuments and plaques must be written first in Slovak followed by the foreign language text in the same or smaller font size. The same applies to signs, advertising and announcements providing information to the public. Construction companies must ask the Culture Ministry to approve inscriptions on the properties they construct in order to avoid additional corrections.
If shortcomings and mistakes appear and these aren't corrected after repeated calls by the Culture Ministry, a fine of €100-5,000 may be imposed by the ministry.
Public representatives and the National Union of Employers submitted comments to the amendment before it was discussed by the Government. They required that sections of the amendment that deal with the use of the state language in state offices be left out. They also said that the part adjusting rules pertaining to signs, advertising and announcements should be dropped, and were against the mechanism of fines and their sums, which they consider to be inappropriate.