Romani histories and prospects: What can we learn from a minority language and culture?

On the occasion of UNESCO’s World Day of Romani Language, the Vigdís International Centre is organising a public seminar with the participation of distinguished guests who have decades of experience in support of Romani language, culture, and human rights.

The idea of the seminar is to draw attention to successful practices and challenges when it comes to the preservation and promotion of the Romani language and culture, despite the centuries-long persecution and discrimination of the Romani people. We will also discuss if and how the experiences of the biggest European minority community can be shared and transferred to other communities across the world.

The event is open to all who are interested in minority issues, human rights, equality, ethnicity, and language preservation.

Program

Opening remarks:
Sofiya Zahova, Director of the Vigdís International Centre
Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir, Professor emerita, University of Iceland; Member of the Steering Committee of the Global Task Force, IDIL 2022-2032

Speakers:
Ian Hancock, OBE, linguist, Romani scholar and political advocate
Fred Taikon, Swedish Roma activist and author, Chairman of È Romani Glinda
Jana Horvathová, Director of the Museum of Romani Culture in Brno (Czechia)

Moderator: Shilpa Khatri Babbar, Visiting Professor of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair of Indian Studies at the University of Iceland

The seminar will end with a glass of wine and more informal discussions.

The event is organised as part of the Vigdís International Centre’s calendar of events in the framework of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032.