Language conference highlights need to protect Slovak from foreign influence

The In the Embrace of Language conference, held in Bratislava to mark International Mother Language Day and the 30th anniversary of the State Language Act, emphasized the need to protect and develop the Slovak language. Minister of Culture Martina Šimkovičová warned against the growing influence of foreign words due to globalization, stating, "Our mother tongue is a gift that many, unfortunately, take for granted." She highlighted the role of education, media, and parents in preserving linguistic richness and warned that neglecting Slovak could weaken it for future generations.