Through Play to Language Learning

In two towns on the Slovenian coast, over 100 young people spent five days immersed in language learning and sports activities, blending cultural exploration with physical recreation. The events took place during two separate week-long festivals, Teden mladih umetnikov and Teden športa in jezike, organized by local groups in collaboration with regional institutions. These programs aimed to provide youth with both leisure and educational opportunities, reinforcing their knowledge of the Slovenian language through engaging, hands-on experiences. The first festival, Teden mladih umetnikov, began on Monday, July 27, at the Mladinski center in Rebrci, located near the historic Železna Kapla. This venue was established by the late priest Polde Zunder in the renovated command post. Over 100 participants gathered there, forming two groups that would stay until Saturday, August 1, and then again on Monday, August 3. The program included creative workshops, outdoor excursions, and cultural exchanges, all designed to foster both personal growth and linguistic skills. The event was organized by the Krščanska kulturna zveza from Celovec, which has long supported youth initiatives in the region. Meanwhile, in Šentjanž near Rož, the second festival, Teden športa in jezike, commenced on the same day, July 27, at the K&K center. It was co-hosted with the nearby recreational hub Centris, offering a mix of sports activities and language-focused tasks. A total of 29 children and teenagers participated, spending four days from July 27 to July 31 engaging in diverse activities while practicing their Slovenian. The organizers emphasized that the program combined fun with meaningful learning, encouraging participants to explore the language through movement, creativity, and conversation. Mag. Jasna Černjak, a linguist and collaborator with the Slovenian Study Library in Celovec, played a key role in organizing the Teden športa in jezike. She noted that many participants already spoke Slovenian fluently, but for one girl, the experience marked her first encounter with the language. “We will learn and reinforce Slovenian through sports, creative workshops, and conversations,” she explained. Activities included visits to a beekeeper’s apiary, trips to the Obir caves near Železna Kapla, movie screenings in the open-air cinema at Centris, and swimming in a nearby lake. The goal was to create an enriching and enjoyable environment where language acquisition felt natural and effortless. A team of dedicated volunteers ensured the smooth operation of both festivals. In addition to Černjak and Nadja Keuschnig, president of the Slovenian Prosveta Association in Rož, other contributors included Vito Poredoš, son of the renowned musician and educator Vlado Poredoš, who founded the legendary music group Orleki. Also involved were Petra Rottmann and Alea Einspieler, along with instructors specializing in physical education, ensuring safe and effective sports activities. Half of the participants stayed overnight at Centris, while others returned home each evening. Both festivals highlighted the importance of community-driven educational initiatives, combining traditional methods with modern approaches to make language learning accessible and appealing to younger generations. As the final day of the Teden športa in jezike approached, organizers anticipated continued engagement from participants, reflecting the success of these unique, culturally rich programs.