Tünde Tušková

Katedra slovenského jazyka a literatúry Segedínskej univerzity, Szeged, Maďarsko

Výskumný ústav Slovákov v Maďarsku, Békešská Čaba

[email protected]; tuskatunde@ yahoo.co.uk

 0000-0002-3267-5788

 

Alžbeta Uhrinová

Výskumný ústav Slovákov v Maďarsku, Békešská Čaba, Maďarsko

[email protected]

 0009-0007-5915-1494

 

Abstract

Results of Sociolinguistic Research in Tótkomlós

This study presents findings from sociolinguistic research conducted at three distinct points in time. The baseline research utilized questionnaire methods, complemented by interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Current data regarding the Slovak language and the ethnic community in Tótkomlós / Slovenský Komlóš were gathered through empirical research, including in-depth sociolinguistic interviews. The findings suggest that the current state of the Slovak language in Tótkomlós – much like 20 years ago – is characterized by an ambivalent situation: the coexistence of bidirectional shifts, involving simultaneous processes of revitalization and decline. Recent data indicate an intensification of both tendencies. While Slovak-language communication is increasingly visible in the public sphere, it has almost entirely disappeared from other domains. Intergenerational language transmission is weakening, as fewer families use the local dialect or the standard language in domestic settings. In contrast to the private sphere, public language domains function more regularly. A notable development is the expansion of the linguistic landscape (visual language use), which enhances the prestige of the Slovak language and its community, thereby supporting efforts in language maintenance.

 

Keywords: Hungary, Tótkomlós, sociolinguistics, change analysis, linguistic landscape

 

https://doi.org/10.24040/nfr.2026.18.1.50-69