Projects / Programmes
Institutional bilingualism in the ethnically mixed areas in Slovenia: evaluation of bilingualism bonus programme
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 6.05.00 |
Humanities |
Linguistics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| H360 |
Humanities |
Applied linguistics, foreign languages teaching, sociolinguistics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 6.02 |
Humanities |
Languages and Literature |
institutional bilngualism, ethnically mixed areas, bilingual bonus, language policy,evaluation, education
Researchers (10)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Language policy in Slovenia is based on the principle of guaranteeing an equal position for the national minorities in ethnically mixed areas, that is, Slovenian Istria on the coast (Italian-speaking), and Prekmurje in the North-eastern part of the country (Hungarian-speaking). The Slovenian constitution requires that everyone has the right to use his/her first language in the exercise of his/her rights and duties and in procedures before the State and other bodies performing a public function. This requires institutional bilingualism, that is, the capacity of public authorities to function in more languages. A condition for employment in the public sector is knowledge of both the majority and minority languages. In addition, if knowledge of the language of the ethnic community is a condition for performing the work, public servants and judges are entitled a wage premium, also known as “bilingualism bonus”. Nevertheless, the bilingualism bonus programme is not as effective as expected, and the majority language (Slovenian) and the minority languages (Italian and Hungarian) are not used on an equal footing. Following an interdisciplinary approach combining ethnographic research with economics and policy analysis, this project examines how the bilingualism bonus programme responds to cultural, social, political and economic factors in Slovenian Istria and Prekmurje, and how these factors contribute to its success (or the lack thereof). Our hypothesis is that the lack of effectiveness of the bilingualism bonus programme can be explained by an inadequate policy design and insufficient implementation, rather than by a lack of support from the population.
Significance for science
Relevance of the results expected from the proposed research project:
Our scientific – research work and professional qualification open several new research issues we would like to deal with in depth. One of these is the topic of the proposed project.
The project is expected to produce new empirical results on the problems and mechanisms of policy design and implementation in Slovenia. The results of the project will clarify the lack of effectiveness of the bilingualism bonus programme, and validate empirically its importance and can consequently stimulate public debate on the bilingualism bonus programme. The results of the project will provide answers and help policy maker to make better decisions in increasing the use of minority language (Italian and Hungarian) at the institutional level
The result will clarify empirically which specific factors actually explain the lack of effectiveness of the bilingualism bonus policy in the ethnically mixed areas following a comparative approach.
Relevance to the development of science or a scientific field:
The project proposes a theoretical model that takes into account the internal and external factors (cultural, political and economic) that influence the shaping and implementation of a bilingual bonus programme in ethnically mixed areas. The effectiveness of the programme will be evaluated empirically (interviews, focus groups), alongside evaluation of the vitality of the Italian and Hungarian minorities (COD model). In this way the project will also put in place the foundations for national validation of the bilingual bonus programme, as well as international comparability through the analysis of international documents. The proposed project theme involves applied linguistic research. By setting up a theoretical model and adding empirical data, the project will also represent an original contribution to interdisciplinary linguistics. The proposed theme thus represents an original academic contribution in the field of applied linguistics which will also be of great practical value.
Significance for the country
Relevance of the results expected from the proposed research project:
Our scientific – research work and professional qualification open several new research issues we would like to deal with in depth. One of these is the topic of the proposed project.
The project is expected to produce new empirical results on the problems and mechanisms of policy design and implementation in Slovenia. The results of the project will clarify the lack of effectiveness of the bilingualism bonus programme, and validate empirically its importance and can consequently stimulate public debate on the bilingualism bonus programme. The results of the project will provide answers and help policy maker to make better decisions in increasing the use of minority language (Italian and Hungarian) at the institutional level
The result will clarify empirically which specific factors actually explain the lack of effectiveness of the bilingualism bonus policy in the ethnically mixed areas following a comparative approach.
Relevance to the development of science or a scientific field:
The project proposes a theoretical model that takes into account the internal and external factors (cultural, political and economic) that influence the shaping and implementation of a bilingual bonus programme in ethnically mixed areas. The effectiveness of the programme will be evaluated empirically (interviews, focus groups), alongside evaluation of the vitality of the Italian and Hungarian minorities (COD model). In this way the project will also put in place the foundations for national validation of the bilingual bonus programme, as well as international comparability through the analysis of international documents. The proposed project theme involves applied linguistic research. By setting up a theoretical model and adding empirical data, the project will also represent an original contribution to interdisciplinary linguistics. The proposed theme thus represents an original academic contribution in the field of applied linguistics which will also be of great practical value.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
