An online discussion on the standardization of the Romani language in Ukraine was held on June 28, 2024. The event brought together representatives of various Romani groups, national minorities working on language preservation, and academics.
Discussions delved into the complexities of establishing a unified Romani alphabet, as well as the lack of qualified teachers who speak Romani dialects, hindering educational efforts. The significance of the Romani language as a cornerstone of Roma identity and social inclusion in Ukraine was also underscored. However, the presence of numerous dialects heavily influenced by dominant languages presents a challenge in defining a common standard form, as highlighted by Council of Europe expert Mihaela Zatreanu.
The Council of Europe has played a crucial role in recognizing Romani as a minority language. Since its inclusion in the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in 1992, 19 out of 33 signatory states have recognized Romani within their territories. The Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages of Council of Europe encourages member states to actively promote and protect Romani as part of Europe's cultural heritage, particularly in education and cultural spheres.
For further information on the Romani language, please consult the Council of Europe's Factsheets on Romani Language: https://rm.coe.int/roma-history-factsheets-eng/1680a2f2f8
The event was organized in the framework of the Project "“Strengthening the protection of national minorities, including Roma, and minority languages in Ukraine” in cooperation with the Institute of Pedagogy of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, and was funded by the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026.
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