The first informational meeting of the Istrian Vlashki Language Documentation Project will take place on November 6, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Istria Sports Club, 28-09 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11105. The purpose of the meeting is to present the goals of the project and to discuss ways in which members of the community can participate. Vlashki speakers currently number only several hundred scattered around the world and because few children are taught the language, its survival is uncertain. Since every language is an important part of a community's cultural heritage, it is worth doing everything to save it from extinction. There are many ways in which to become involved in documenting and preserving a language. This is a major project that should take several years to complete and every individual's effort is extremely valuable, no matter how small. Participants need not be a fluent speaker of Vlashki, or even a speaker at all, to make a difference and help save this wonderful language from being forgotten. Interested participants are kindly asked to confirm their attendance by calling Zvjezdana Vrzić at (212) 769-xxxx or Valnea Smilović ay (718) 672-xxxx in the evening hours by October 29. Refreshments will be served for a contribution of $15 per person toward food and drinks. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would still like to know more about the project, the organizers are happy to answer questions and provide additional information.

Download: Project Description