Language policy in independent Slovenia

Abstract

Despite the preeminent status of Slovene in its newly independent state, Slovenia has adopted a wide range of measures to protect minority languages. The article summarizes those measures, both constitutional provisions and other important laws and regulations, and seeks to explain why Slovenia persists in its protection of linguistic minorities. In addition, other important language policy issues facing Slovenia are summarized. Language and nationality policy is shown to have been a fundamental driving force behind the creation of independent Slovenia. Although the threat of domination by speakers of Serbo-Croatian has passed, Slovenia continues to face serious questions about the status and use of Slovene in Europe, as well as international concerns about border populations and linguistic minorities. © Walter de Gruyter.