Safeguarding Romani Language | International Romani Language Day Conference, 6th Edition
The Romani language stands at the heart of Roma identity, community belonging, and social participation. In the context of European and global migration, its role becomes even more significant: it is both a marker of heritage and a living tool of communication that unites Roma across borders and dialects.
The European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC), in partnership with the Council of Europe’s Roma and Travellers Division and the Division of National Minorities and Minority Languages, proudly presents the 6th International Conference – Safeguarding Romani Language. The conference will take place on November 5th, 2025, at the ERIAC’s premises in Berlin, with live streaming available to allow participation from across the globe.
The event marks a vital part of ERIAC’s Romani Language Initiative, which began in June 2020 as part of the Roma Cultural History Initiative, supported by the German Federal Foreign Office. The conference gathers international experts in Romani language education, linguistics, and cultural heritage, uniting voices from academia, government, and community organizations to continue advancing the International Romani Language Reform. Together, they will explore strategies to preserve and promote the Romani language through the harmonization of Romani usage across borders.
By bringing together policy representatives, linguists, Roma writers, cultural producers and academics, the discussion will highlight the multiple dimensions of Romani.
This year’s conference also marks the next phase in the formation of the Romani PEN Center, an aspiring member of the global PEN International network of writers. The initiative seeks to unite Romani writers, poets, translators, and language advocates across Europe and beyond, strengthening transnational collaboration and amplifying Roma voices in the international literary landscape. ERIAC will gather founding members to approve the statute and formalize the creation of this long-awaited platform for Romani literary professionals.
Online participation in the 6th Edition of the Safeguarding Romani Language Conference is available upon registration via Zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4KOnWmnnQDuuVVQSBA9fwA#/registration
AGENDA
10.00 – 10.30 Welcome address
Georgios Stamatis, PACE General Rapporteur on Roma and Travellers, Council of Europe
Mensur Haliti, Chair of the ERIAC Board (tbc)
Mihaela Zatreanu, leader of the ERIAC Romani Language initiative
10:30 – 12:00 Panel 1: THE ROMANI LANGUAGE AS A PATHWAY TO IDENTITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION: TOWARDS A COMMON EUROPEAN AND GLOBAL FRAMEWORK (panel in Romani language)
Objective
To examine the importance and impact of the Romani language on Roma identity, equity, and social inclusion in the European and international Roma migration context. The panel will highlight why strengthening a common Romani language through dialect harmonisation is crucial for Roma empowerment and social participation and inclusion.
Redjepali Chupi, Director of REF Serbia and North Macedonia
Zola Kondur, Project Coordinator, Council of Europe Office in Ukraine
Diana Kirilova, Researcher, Senior Lecturer at INALCO, Paris
Hristo Kyuchukov, Professor of Linguistics and Intercultural Education, Director of the Roma Research Center, University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Nikolaos Batzalis & Fanni Martzakli (tbc)
Moderator: Mihaela Zatreanu, leader of ERIAC Romani Language initiative
Moderated discussion Q&A: Exploring pathways to a “Common Romani Language Framework” that supports identity and inclusion.
12.00 – 13.00 LUNCH
13.00 – 14.30 Panel 2: THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN PRESERVING ROMANI LANGUAGE (panel in English and Romani languages)
Objective
The objective of the panel is to bring together Roma writers and poets to explore the vital role literature plays in preserving and promoting the Romani language. Through shared experiences and creative expression, the panel aims to highlight how storytelling, poetry, and written works contribute to the survival and revitalization of Romani linguistic and cultural heritage. Participants will identify key challenges facing Romani-language literature today, such as limited publishing opportunities, lack of institutional support, and the risk of language erosion. The discussion will also focus on setting priorities for the future and sharing good practices that support the development of Romani-language literary work, encouraging both cultural pride and intergenerational transmission.
Damian Le Bas Jr, writer and journalist, award-winning author of The Stopping Places (2018) and The Drowned Places (2025)
Tayo Awosusi-Onutor, writer, singer, author of Jokesi Club children’s book series
Sevdija Demirova Abdulova, author, journalist, political advisor
Nedjo Osman, poet, artistic director of the TKO Theater company Köln
Moderator: Delia Grigore, writer, poet, and scholar
14.30 – 14.45 Conclusions and closing
Timea Junghaus, ERIAC Executive Director
15.00 – 17.00 OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF THE ASPIRING ROMANI PEN CENTRE (closed session for the founding members of the aspiring Romani PEN Center in presence of Carles Torner, Vice President, PEN International)
The conference takes place in Romani and English with simultaneous translation to both languages.