Support and Promotion of the Slovenian Language Abroad

In 2025, the Institute for Ethnic Studies continued to carry out the professional development project “Support and Development of the Slovenian Language Abroad”, funded by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Slovenia. The main objective of the project is to provide supplementary Slovenian language instruction abroad, delivered by non-staffed teachers. This model allows for a flexible response to the needs of Slovenian communities around the world and complements systemic forms of support for the Slovenian language.

Supplementary Slovenian language instruction was successfully implemented over two contract periods and covered a total of 18 countries. It involved 25 teachers and 975 participants, representing further growth compared to the same period in 2024. Classes were held in person, remotely, or in a blended format, tailored to the circumstances and needs of individual communities. Online classes have once again proven to be an important format, as they enable the inclusion of participants even from more dispersed areas where in-person classes cannot be provided.

Supplementary Slovenian language instruction is increasingly establishing itself as a mechanism for language support for Slovenians abroad and complements other forms of support for the Slovenian language. The annual report confirms that supplementary Slovenian language instruction is evolving toward greater accessibility, quality, and flexibility, with a clear focus on the long-term preservation of the Slovenian language among compatriots in neighboring countries and around the world.