Vlashki and Zheyanski language at The Language Fair in Portugal

On October 17 and 18, the International Conference on Endangered Languages in Europe took place in Alcanena, a small town in Portugal. A presentation entitled "Identity and language shift among Vlashki/Zheyanski-speaking Istrians in Croatia" was given there by dr. sc. Zvjezdana Vrzić and prof. dr. John Singler of New York University.

A cultural event, which aimed to introduce language varieties of Europe, especially European endangered languages, The Language Fair, was also held as a part of this symposium on Saturday, October 19 in Minde, a nearby town. Vlashki and Zheyanski language were introduced at this event. Members of the Association Spod Učke from Nova Vas (Municipiality of Kršan) Viviana Brkarić and Marina Mikuluš with Robert Doričić from the Association Žejane from Žejane (Municipiality of Matulji) presented Vlashki and Zheyanski language as well as already accomplished activities and publications of the Preservation of the  Vlashki and Zheyanski language Project. In the cultural programme of the fair different segments of preserved traditions from villages where Vlashki and Zheyanski languages are spoken were presented: two-part singing and playing in Istrian scale performed by the members of Ivan Fonović Zlatela Folklore Group from Kršan (Noel Šuran, Dalen Načinović, Vilijam Vojić), the memebers of Zheyanan Singers music section, and also Zheyanan Bellringers Folkore Group from Žejane (Igor Doričić, Ivanka Sonja Doričić-Bačić, Mauro Doričić).

Participation on this fair and promotion of Vlashki and Zheyanski language as well as other elements of traditional heritage were ways of promoting region, but also Croatia in general, since  Vlashki and Zheyanski languages are included on the List of protected intangible cultural heritage of Republic of Croatia. Also, at The Language Fair two Croatian elements added to the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity were presented: two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale and annual carnival bell ringers’ pageant.

The sponsors for the participation at The Language Fair in Portugal were: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, Primorsko-goranska County, County of Istria, Municipiality of Matulji and Municipiality of Kršan.