Symposium on Romani language focuses on local literature

The symposium paid special attention to the creation and the development of the Romani language, the research and the milestones important for its preservation, said head of the Slovenian Roma Association Jožek Horvat Muc.

"Romani literature is specific because it is written in the Romani language. Many texts are also written in the language aimed at the majority population. That is how its contents can be taught and presented and can spread," said Horvat Muc.

Writing literature in the Romani language is important for the preservation of the Romani community, said Horvat Muc, adding that not all Roma use the Romani language in the same way. Instead they adapt it to the environment they are living in.

The Romani language is falling out of favour among the young members of the Roma community, Horvat Muc said, adding that it is especially important to preserve the language with events such as the symposium.

The Romani language is considered by some linguists as one of the most difficult languages and it has only been studied and written down in the last few decades. According to Horvat Muc, Slovenian Roma were the first in Europe to start standardising the Romani language.