Presentation for ProLang – the research centre at UCL-SSEES

I was invited to give a talk for PROlang the research centre at the UCL-SSEES, where I explored the complexities of the Macedonian language. The presentation examined its socio-linguistic aspects, geographical distribution, and demographic trends, with a particular focus on North Macedonia. It also analysed the language’s dynamics within diverse cultural and historical contexts, as well as its presence in diaspora communities, especially in Greece and Albania, highlighting their linguistic heritage and the challenges they face.

Additionally, the talk addressed the socio-political dynamics surrounding the Macedonian language and its speakers in neighbouring countries. Drawing on limited resources, it investigated the language’s status and the ongoing struggles for recognition and preservation in Greece and Albania. By unpacking these complexities, the presentation provided insights into the intersection of language rights, cultural identity, and geopolitical realities in the region.

My final thoughts “Linguistic oppression and the consequences it has on speakers and their cultural heritage have no place in a modern world where the value of cultural diversity is recognised.”