Simkovicova: Year of Ludovit Stur Highlights Need to Protect Slovak Language

Bratislava, 26 December (TASR) – The year 2025 as the Year of Ludovit Stur provided an opportunity to recall the importance of protecting and developing the Slovak language, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (nominee of the Slovak National Party) underlined in her year-end interview with TASR, taking stock of a series of events organised under the auspices of the Culture Ministry to mark the 210th anniversary of Ludovit Stur's birth. "Care for the protection and development of the language is not only our duty, but also a responsibility towards future generations," she declared. The minister pointed out that in the media, for example, Slovak words are currently often giving way to expressions borrowed from foreign languages, making colloquial speech difficult to understand, especially for the older generation. "Yet it is language that is not only a living space for collective memory, creativity and heritage, but also a means that connects generations and shapes our identity," she emphasised. Simkovicova also expressed satisfaction with the diversity of events held across Slovakia in 2025 to mark the 210th anniversary of the birth of the national revivalist and writer, focusing on children and young people. "We have a beautiful language we can be proud of, and educational programmes are an excellent opportunity to preserve and develop this pride," the minister added. mf