The Gučimo Project is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of dialectal languages in the cross-border region of Prekmurje and Porabje, with a particular focus on the Prekmurje and Porabje dialects, which share historical and developmental ties. These dialects represent a significant part of the local communities’ identities, but they face serious preservation challenges due to demographic changes and reduced usage, especially on the Hungarian side of the border.

Border communities must safeguard these dialects as a foundation of cultural heritage and identity while simultaneously addressing the underutilized potential of these dialects for developing sustainable tourism. The lack of innovative approaches that leverage modern technologies to engage younger generations in learning dialectal languages complicates the long-term preservation of this linguistic heritage.

The main goal of the project is to strengthen the cultural and linguistic identity of Prekmurje and Porabje by developing sustainable tourism products based on dialectal languages. The project aims to increase the region’s visibility as a culturally rich destination, spark interest among younger generations in dialectal languages, and contribute to the long-term preservation of this linguistic heritage.

The project will enhance cross-border collaboration among stakeholders, increase youth involvement in activities to preserve the dialects, and foster the development of new cultural-tourism products that will enrich the existing tourism offerings and attract more visitors to the region.

Key Impact Indicators:
Digitalization of dialectal texts and audio recordings
Publication of an audiobook in the Porabje dialect
Organization of symposia
Creation of a mobile exhibition on dialectal authors
Language courses in Prekmurje and Porabje dialects
Children’s camps and enrichment of the offerings of the Ferenc Móra City Library and Museum
Development of the “Gučimo” tourist trail, marked with QR codes and audio guides, connecting Porabje and Goričko
The project targets local residents, younger generations (students and pupils), local providers, and visitors to the region.

Project Partners:
The project is based on close collaboration among three partners:
Municipality of Puconci (Slovenia)
Association of Slovenians in Hungary (Hungary)
Ferenc Móra City Library and Museum (Hungary)
Cross-border cooperation is essential due to the historical and cultural connection of the Prekmurje and Porabje dialects and the shared challenges in preserving this heritage. The partners will combine their expertise to develop innovative solutions for strengthening identity and sustainable tourism.

The Gučimo Project introduces modern digital solutions and interactive content to bring dialectal languages closer to a broader audience, especially young people. Through a unique approach to preserving dialectal heritage and developing cultural-tourism products, the project creates new opportunities for the region’s tourism development and social innovation.

The Gučimo Project is a comprehensive response to the needs of the cross-border area, offering a modern way to preserve and promote the dialectal cultural heritage of Prekmurje and Porabje.

Project end date:

31.12.2027