Jezikoslovje I - slovanski jeziki (Slovene)

The research programme encompasses research in the following fields: Slovene language as a first language and Slovene language as a second/ foreign language; comparative Slavic linguistics with paleoslavistics; Russian language; Croatian language; Macedonian language and other Slavic languages. The Slovene language with its special status as the first language in the Republic of Slovenia is investigated using methods of all major contemporary models in synchronic and diachronic linguistics. Comparative Slavic linguistics is an updated approach to a traditional topic that has been of major importance in both Slovene and international linguistics, and particularly significant for the linguistic aspect of Slovene ethnogenesis. Other Slavic languages are studied as foreign languages, with special emphasis on problems of language confrontations, especially those encountered in translation. The programme pursues a clearly defined objective, viz. gradually to make good the research deficit that has resulted from a restricting attitude towards linguistics in Slovenia. Significance of the research programme for science in a broader (international) sense: The research programme continues the vivid dialogue of the participating disciplines with international linguistics, with both its empirical material and theory making part of contemporary international linguistic and language currents. A special position in this goes to the Slovenist group in the research team, which is both with its achievements and its potential the most propulsive scientific team in the world, as the Faculty is by its nature the world centre of Slovene language research. Results of its research give Slovene language studies an authentic and independent place in international linguistics. Significance of the research programme for Slovenia: The research team includes university teachers and young researchers of Slovenia’s oldest tertiary education institution. It is the centre of creating knowledge necessary for the functioning of Slovene as the first and literary (standard) language in the country (but also as a second/ foreign language) and for the teaching of other Slavic and non-Slavic languages. The results are immediately transferred into reference books (grammars) and textbooks, and implemented in teaching Slovene at all levels. They are the expert foundation for decision-making in language planning, policy and culture. Thus the research programme contributes a scientific and expert foundation for the existence of Slovene as a first and state (national) language.