Language Problems from the Perspective of the Roma in the Context of the Romani Language Network

Abstract

The paper is a probe to the language problems from the perspective of the Roma in the Slovak Republic in the context of the width and reach of the Romani language network. The aim of the paper is to open up a space for discussing the language problems in the Roma, an extraction of the current Romani language problems with an emphasis on the language policy and the implementation of the linguistic rights in practice. The research question is what the Roma consider to be a language problem in the context of the width and reach of the language network of the Romani language and what solutions they propose. To obtain the empirical material, we used a qualitative methodology tool, a semi-structured interview conducted in the Romani language. Furthermore, the paper more clarifies the language problems of the Roma in this context and contributes to broader knowledge of the strategies the Roma use in dealing with these problems. The aim is to present and characterise language problems from the perspective of the Roma, to propose measures to solve the problems, and to outline the direction and perspectives of the Romani language.