About the Centre for Research on the Linguistic and Cultural Heritage of Istria

The Centre for Research on the Linguistic and Cultural Heritage of Istria was established in 2018 as a research unit within the Faculty of Humanities at Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, in line with the University’s strategic objectives in scientific research. Its foundation reflects the need for systematic, interdisciplinary and long-term investigation of the exceptionally complex linguistic and cultural heritage of the Istrian region, shaped by centuries of language contact and cultural coexistence. The Centre’s promotes interdisciplinary research activities focused on the linguistic and intangible cultural heritage of Istria, with particular emphasis on historical, sociolinguistic, philological and cultural-anthropological processes. Special attention is devoted to the study of interlinguistic relations in Istria, particularly those involving Istroromance (Istriot), Istro-Venetian and Croatian dialects, as well as broader phenomena of language contact, interference and variation. Furthermore, particular attention is devoted to the valorisation of individual and societal bilingualism and to the analytical examination of its cognitive, sociocultural and educational benefits. Within this framework, models of bilingual language policy implemented in the Istrian County are examined, together with the normative and functional dimensions of official bilingualism in bilingual cities and municipalities. Systematic attention is also directed towards the study and enhancement of Italian language teaching in educational institutions with Italian as the language of instruction, as well as in Croatian schools where Italian is taught as the language of the social environment. This approach is viewed as an institutionally grounded mechanism for safeguarding linguistic diversity and regional identity, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring the realisation of individual and collective linguistic rights, in line with the principles of multilingualism and cultural diversity upheld by national and European public policies.

The mission of the Centre for Research on the Linguistic and Cultural Heritage of Istria is to conduct systematic, interdisciplinary and scientifically grounded research on the linguistic and intangible cultural heritage of the Istrian region, examined in both its historical depth and contemporary dynamics. The Centre promotes integrative research models that bring together linguistic, philological, sociocultural and anthropological perspectives, with the aim of documenting, analysing and safeguarding Istria’s linguistic diversity as a fundamental component of regional and European cultural identity. Through scientific research, fieldwork, archiving and international collaboration, the Centre seeks to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of research materials while fostering dialogue between the academic community, educational institutions and the wider public.