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Do you speak a ‘big’ global language? Here’s what my tiny language can teach you | Ana Schnabl | The Guardian

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I’m one of the 2.5 million users of Slovene – and English and German speakers would do well to be curious about us A couple of years ago, I received an invitation from a German cultural institution to present my debut short story collection, which was translated into German that year. The terms and conditions were generous: we pay you (a lot, as far as I was concerned), we host you for as long as you wish (I decided on three nights), we will arrange a host who loves your book – and if you need anything else, do tell us! There was one diplomatically laid out request, however. The producers wanted me to speak German at the event. They heard me speak it fluently in a video interview and figured I could easily do it again. As a rookie, and the greenest author to have ever walked the Earth, I swallowed my anxiety and agreed to it. I kindly asked them to send me the host’s questions in advance, so I could prepare for this premiere of mine. I didn’t mention that I’d never spoken German in fro

Street life in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Photograph: RossHelen editorial/Alamy View image in fullscreen Street life in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Photograph: RossHelen editorial/Alamy Opinion Slovenia This article is more than 2 years old Do you speak a ‘big’ global language? Here’s what my tiny language can teach you This article is more than 2 years old Ana Schnabl I’m one of the 2.5 million users of Slovene – and English and German speakers would do well to be curious about us Wed 24 Apr 2024 02.00 EDT Last modified on Thu 25 Apr 2024 13.34 EDT Share A couple of years ago, I received an invitation fro

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