Marija Gruškovnjak, from Prekmurka, who lives in Croatia, in an interview for Demokracija: The biggest challenge for the future of Slovenes in Croatia is the Slovenian language spoken in families

Marija Gruškovnjak, a Prekmurka who has lived on the Austrian side of Carinthia for decades, told Demokracija that the biggest challenge facing Carinthian Slovenes is the use of the Slovene language within families. She emphasized the importance of maintaining linguistic ties despite living abroad, highlighting how cultural identity is shaped through language, family, and values. Gruškovnjak, who works with the Catholic Cultural Association (KKZ), explained that she grew up in the historical region of Slovenska Krajina, which was known as such until the end of World War I. She described how this area, located along the left bank of the Mur River, played a crucial role in preserving Slovene culture. She cited the poetry of Father and folklorist Jože Klekl, whose verses celebrate the beauty of Slovenska Krajina and its deep connection to Slovene identity. She recounted her early experiences with multilingualism in Slovenska Krajina, noting that Prekmurščina was once the official language, while standard Slovene was used in schools. In areas near the Hungarian border, where a Hungarian minority resides, bilingualism was common. Her journey continued from the eastern edge of Slovenska Krajina, through Ljubljana, and eventually to the northern parts of Carinthia. When asked whether she ever wondered what might have happened had she stayed in Slovenia, Gruškovnjak replied that she had never considered the question. She noted that Celovec, the village where she was born, is just a few kilometers from the border, and for the past thirty years, the border has been practically nonexistent. Therefore, she feels no need to dwell on missing Slovenia. She compared Slovenia and southern Carinthia, pointing out that both regions share similar landscapes, mountains, hills, valleys, but Slovenia extends further into the Pannonian Basin. She suggested that the main difference lies in the necessity of reaffirming one's commitment to Slovene identity in Carinthia, a choice that is not required in Slovenia itself. Her work with the KKZ began after she moved to Celovec in 1973. Initially working in banking, she found time for cultural activities, particularly with the Mešan Pešček Choir led by Jakob Petelin Gallus. Through this group, she traveled extensively, visiting celebrations in North America, Argentina, and even Australia. These experiences enriched her understanding of Slovene heritage beyond the borders of Slovenia. Gruškovnjak’s reflections underscore the ongoing struggle to maintain cultural continuity among Carinthian Slovenes. While many in Slovenia take their national identity for granted, those living outside the country face constant decisions about preserving their linguistic and cultural roots. For her, these choices are deeply personal, rooted in the traditions of her homeland and the shared values passed down through generations.