The article deals with certain dimensions concerning the complex sociolinguistic concept of teaching Slovene as a minority language in the territory of the future European region located along the Slovene-Hungarian-Austrian border. It aims to formulate some generalizations which might help us understand the role of a minority language, as well as the roles performed by identity and culture in intercultural communication. Considering the fact that the unenviable status of the Slovene language in the Raba/Raab region results from the continuous omission/reduction of its functions, particularly of those in formal speech acts, the author argues for systematic planning of the minority language status and use in the educational system. This would help solve direct communicational problems and indirect economic problems. The author mentions some prospects for the development of Slovene as a minority language (e. g. the establishment of an international university in the region, following the example of Die freie Universität Bozen in South Tyrol)
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