Slovene Language Education in Croatia from the Perspective of Teachers

The study of Slovene language teaching in Croatia from the perspective of teachers confirms that the field is developing within a complex and dynamic environment, characterized by both positive developments and significant structural challenges. Despite unfavorable demographic trends and weak intergenerational language transmission, the education system remains a key setting for the preservation and development of Slovene.

Teachers of the Slovene language play a central role in this process, as they often represent the only regular contact students have with the language. Their role goes beyond teaching and includes motivating learners, connecting communities, and promoting Slovene language and culture. The study also shows that the teaching staff is diverse and often lacks formal specialization in teaching Slovene, which highlights the importance of additional professional training and systemic support.

Slovene language instruction is carried out in various organizational forms, which increases accessibility but also creates unequal working conditions, differences in institutional support, and uneven distribution of learning opportunities.

Among the key challenges, teachers highlight the lack of qualified staff, limited access to specialized teaching materials, inconsistent institutional support, and the need for more systematic professional networking. A particular issue is the lack of formalized employment structures and staff instability, which affect the long-term quality of teaching.

Despite these challenges, the study shows that interest in learning Slovene remains present and is even increasing in certain environments, particularly due to educational and employment opportunities linked to Slovenia.

For further development, it is essential to strengthen systemic support for teachers, ensure access to high-quality teaching materials, develop professional training programs, and improve cooperation between Slovene and Croatian institutions. Long-term success will depend on coordinated action among all stakeholders and active involvement of the Slovene community, with the use of the language in everyday life remaining especially important.