The Vital Role of Language Learning in Inclusion

Learning the local language is a crucial pillar of inclusion, a principle recognised by the Government of Slovenia in its 2023 integration strategy. As formal learning programs are often insufficient for language acquisition, there is a clear need to develop and implement complementary methods.

One such initiative is the Slovenian Language Club, established in 2025 by the Intercultural Society in Ljubljana. This club focuses on practising spoken Slovenian in a group setting, with separate groups for A1 and A2/B1 language levels.

In May 2025, as part of the EMV-LII project, KDG supported two club events. Participants at different comprehension levels practised vocabulary related to key inclusion topics, such as the labour and real estate markets and procedures at administrative units.

Given that language and communication are central to bridging gaps between communities, further complementary programs for learning Slovenian should be developed and funded within the non-governmental sector.

The challenges migrants face in learning Slovene were also addressed in a July 2024 press release by KDG, MKD, ADRA Slovenia, and co-signatories, available here:
https://push-forward.org/novica/javna-pobuda-peticija-za-izboljsanje-programov-ucenja-slovenskega-jezika-za-tujce-public

Photo: Slovenian Conversation Club, MKD, Ljubljana, 2025 (MKD)
The Slovenian Conversation Club events were part of the EMV-LII Training Program, co-funded by the EU.