Slovenian Writer Ana Schnabl Highlights Value of Small Languages in TED Talk

In a recent TED Talk, Slovenian writer Ana Schnabl discussed the distinctive insights and value that speaking a small language like her native Slovenian can offer to speakers of major global languages. Schnabl shared her personal experience of being invited to present her debut short story collection in Germany, where she was asked to speak German at the event despite feeling more comfortable using her native language.

Encouraged by two Slovenian poets to claim her identity as a Slovenian writer, Schnabl decided to request an interpreter for the event rather than speaking German herself. In her talk, she emphasized the inherent value of small languages like Slovenian, highlighting their unique features such as the dual form and the diversity of dialects.

Schnabl argued that language is a game that can be approached playfully, with Slovenian speakers embracing influences from other languages, including English, while still maintaining the integrity of their own language. She noted that Slovenian idioms and proverbs are a fundamental component of Slovenian culture and communication.

Why this matters: Schnabl's TED Talk sheds light on the importance of preserving and celebrating linguistic diversity in an increasingly globalized world. Her insights emphasize the value that smaller languages can bring to our collective understanding of language, culture, and communication.

Throughout her talk, Schnabl emphasized that speaking a small language can provide a distinctive perspective and understanding that may not be accessible to those who only speak larger, more dominant languages. She highlighted how learning a less widely spoken language can enrich the experiences of language learners and foster greater cross-cultural understanding.

Key Takeaways

• Slovenian writer Ana Schnabl advocates for small languages
• Schnabl requested an interpreter to speak Slovenian at a German event
• Slovenian has unique features like the dual form and diverse dialects
• Schnabl argues small languages enrich language learning and understanding
• Preserving linguistic diversity is important in a globalized world