Preserving Hungarian Dialects is Key to Cultural Identity

Katalin Szili, the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor, spoke at the Hungarian Dialects Day conference organized by the Institute for Hungarian Studies (MKI). The politician highlighted the strategic importance of preserving Hungarian dialects for maintaining the nation’s linguistic richness and cultural diversity.

Katalin Szili emphasized that dialects are essential to the nation’s identity, stating, “the preservation and recognition of our dialects helps to maintain our linguistic richness, the nation’s diversity, and the survival of Hungarian communities beyond the borders.”

She pointed out that dialects are deeply embedded in Hungary’s cultural and historical heritage, enriching the Hungarian vernacular and contributing to folk traditions such as poetry and art. Miklós Kásler, Director General of the MKI, echoed this sentiment, noting that dialects form an authentic link between Hungarian communities, from Csángóföld (eastern part of Romania) to Őrvidék (Burgenland, Austria).

However, Szili also addressed the decline in dialect usage, citing a study that found the percentage of Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin speaking dialects has dropped from 60-70% in the 1960s, to 30-40% today.

She stressed the importance of fostering pride in these dialects, warning against the stigma faced by their speakers. Péter Nyiri, President of the Association of Mother Tongue Cultivators, added that families and teachers play a crucial role in preventing dialect speakers from feeling ashamed of their language.

The conference, focusing on the relationship between dialects, folklore, and literature, featured presentations on ethnolinguistics, language history, and dialects in various global regions. Szili concluded by reaffirming the value of dialect preservation for future generations, highlighting the vital role they play in maintaining cultural continuity.

Via MTI; Featured Image: Facebook / Potápi Árpád János