Awareness of cultural and language varieties is necessary in the modern world. In the EU, beside 24 official languages there are over 60 regional and minority languages. Migration flows also contribute to a wide range of languages in Europe.
At the initiative of the Council of Europe we have marked the European Language Day since 2001 on 26 September, thus trying to prove that knowledge of languages broadens horizons and breaks down cultural stereotypes. Slovenians also took part at the event organised in the National Library in Banjaluka.
Association Triglav and students of supply teaching lessons of Slovenian presented the stand with brochures and bilingual books issued by the Association, and also traditional Slovenian sweet – potica. Posters Let’s read together warned that there is the first National month of joint reading in Slovenia. It also included Slovenians living abroad and we also prepare for the cooperation in an EU project United in Variety. A competition »My home is also part of Europe« was also published, while our cultural heritage will be presented at the final event in Pišece in late October.
Attention of the visitors was drawn by a quiz on the topic of Slovenia and Slovenian language. Youth and elder answered questions, while each correct answer was awarded. Slovenians in the Republic of Srpska try to organise different events showing that many people speak Slovenian, while there are over 100 students of supply teaching lessons of Slovenian in Banjaluka. Knowledge of the language helps people studying at Slovenian universities or seeking jobs. Multilingualism is one of the basic principles of the EU, whereas in the library beside Slovenian and Serbian we could hear Russian, German, Italian, Spanish, French and Swedish.
Barbara Hanuš
