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Programme: accepted abstracts

Abstract ID: 1040

Part of Session 130: Language in Multilingual Cities (Other abstracts in this session)

Multiculturalism in Border Towns in Slovenia

Authors: Novak Lukanovič, Sonja
Submitted by: Novak Lukanovič, Sonja (Institute for Ethnic Studies, Slovenia)

The historical background, political changes, migration processes, EU membership and the current socio-linguistic situation have all influenced language policy and language planning in Slovenia, especially in border areas.  The paper will focus on the most important aspects of language policy in Slovenia with special emphasis on the concept of linguistic diversity.

 Selected empirical results from a research project in the border regions of Slovenia  (Slovene/Italian, Slovene/Austrian, Slovene/Hungarian), especially three border towns  (Nova Gorica, Gornja Radgona, Lendava) will be presented. The presentation  will be  based on the following hypotheses: languages in contact in three border towns have different roles and positions; people living in border towns accept measures aimed at intercultural communication (learn the language, use media, cooperate in different ways, etc.); the value of language on the »language market« is presumed to be the dominant force in the choice of language learning in border towns; the presence of a minority group and minority language in a border area/towns  affects intercultural communication as well as speakers' perceptions of linguistic and cultural diversity.  The paper considers the implications of this research for language planning and language rights in border regions.