The Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation Zlatan Klokić attended the ceremonial academy in Vienna marking the 160th anniversary of the death of Vuk Stefanović Karadžić.

Vuk Stevanović Karadžić made it possible for Serbs, wherever they are in the world, to be united by a rich linguistic and cultural heritage, said Zlatan Klokić, Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska.

‘As Serbian language reformer and the father of our literacy, he enriched the Serbian language with more than 26,000 words and made it what it is today,’ said Klokić.

It was noted that Vuk’s work enabled every Serb, regardless of place of residence, to have a rich linguistic and cultural heritage connecting us regardless of borders.

The minister without portfolio in the Serbian Government in charge of relations with the diaspora, Đorđe Milićević, told the gathered that the evening’s ceremony was an opportunity to remember the importance of Vuk Karadžić for the Serbian language, culture and identity for Serbia, as well as for Serbs living outside the borders of that country.

– His struggle for language reform, creation of a national script and collection of folk songs and stories made the Serbian language and culture comprehensible, accessible and preserved for generations around the world – said Milićević.

He stated that the Serbian language and Cyrillic alphabet, which Vuk had reformed, had become key tools for preserving Serbian identity in the diaspora, helping them stay connected to their homeland and their roots.

Milićević noted the importance of supplementary schools abroad preserving the Serbian identity in the world and teaching children Serbian and Cyrillic.

– They are of utmost importance for the preservation of Serbian identity among the generations growing up outside of Serbia. They are not only places of education, but also centers of cultural connection where children learn about their language, history, traditions and values – said Milićević.

Source: Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation - SRNA – Top Portal

Photo: Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation