The purpose of master thesis is to explore the role that language has in preserving the ethnic identity among first-, second- and third-generation of Slovenian immigrants in North Macedonia. The main focus is on the ways they perceive their ethnic identity in relation to language maintenance and how their attitudes are reflected in the actual use. The research is based on the assumption that language is perceived differently among members of the first-generation in comparison to the members of the second- and third-generation. We assumed that knowledge and use of the Slovene language is more important to the first group and less to the second group, since they use it less and only in certain circumstances. Methodologically the article is based on the analysis and interpretation of the survey and semi-structured interviews that we had with representatives of all three generations living in North Macedonia. The research is structured in two parts – theoretical and empirical. The theoretical part focuses on the concepts of identity, ethnic identity and language as well as briefly outlines the history of Slovene immigration to North Macedonia. It also presents the current state of the Slovenian community and their forms of association. The empirical part describes in detail the selected research methods and presents the research results. The key findings are summarized in the conclusion whit the aim to serve for further researches in this area.
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