Coordination and Evaluation of Slovenian Language Learning in Croatia

Ethnic Issues – Coordination and Evaluation of Project Activities (Slovenians in Croatia)

The status of the Slovenian language in Croatia is unique, complex, and specific. It has its own dynamics, just as it does in other neighboring countries of Slovenia. Due to known factors, as well as those that are currently unidentified and unknown, the Slovenian language faces varying degrees of difficulty in consolidating its position among members of the Slovenian community in Croatia. This is influenced by members of the Slovenian community themselves, as well as by Slovenian language teachers and the environment in which the Slovenian language exists.

Croatia has a relatively sound legal framework, but due to the bureaucratization of the process, and sometimes also the influence of school principals, it is not always and everywhere possible to exercise the right to learn the mother tongue (Slovenian). The foreign policy of the Republic of Slovenia is also expected to play an exceptionally important role; in addition to providing legal opportunities and support for learning the Slovenian language, it should sometimes assist members of the Slovenian minority in their efforts to realize the legal opportunities available to them in the host country.

In addition to the introduction of Slovenian language instruction, the greatest challenge remains the Slovenian language teachers in Croatia. Changes and replacements of certain Slovenian language teachers in Croatia also occurred in 2023.

Slovenian language teachers should connect more closely with members of the Slovenian community. In this way, teachers would gain more support, the classes themselves would become more visible, and a larger number of children could join. In any case, cooperation between Slovenian associations, their representatives, and councils with teachers—and consequently with schools—would lead to a potential revitalization of Slovenian associations and intergenerational cooperation, thereby strengthening the role of Slovenian associations in preserving the Slovenian language, culture, and identity in general.

There is interest in Slovenian language instruction in the field, but members of the Slovenian community in Croatia unfortunately lack both the power and the appropriate mechanisms to exercise their legal rights.