An identity forged at the intersection of three worlds
For centuries, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region served as a buffer zone between the Romance and Germanic worlds, simultaneously serving as a target for migrations from the Balkans and nomads from the steppes. This multifaceted pressure, however, did not erase their distinctiveness. On the contrary, the inhabitants developed a unique culture, partially independent of mainstream Italianism, which they cultivated for centuries as the foundation of their identity.
During the Fascist period, the Italianization policy primarily targeted national minorities considered “foreign”: Slavs (Slovenes, Croats) and Germans. These groups experienced brutal repression, from language bans to forced name changes and deportations. The fate of the Friulians, however, was different. The authorities treated Friulian distinctiveness as a regional form of “Italianness,” not a foreign element. Although they were not persecuted, the state took no action to protect their language or culture from natural assimilation. The contemporary identity of Friulians has been shaped in the shadow of marginalization, mass economic emigration, and increasing assimilation.
Modern Italy has focused on decentralization, which has led to the strengthening of regions with special status. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a mosaic of nationalities: alongside the dominant Friulians, approximately 50,000 Slovenes live here (primarily around Trieste) and a German-speaking minority in the Alpine valleys.
Currently, all these groups enjoy statutory protection. Significantly, the Friulians have benefited from legal changes won by minorities directly repressed in the past. As a result, their language and symbols now enjoy protected heritage status, despite the fact that their process of “ethnogenesis” has historically been overlooked or instrumentalized by the state.
Multiculturalism in practice
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is one of the most linguistically diverse regions in Italy. In addition to Italian, residents speak Friulian (Frulan), Slovenian, and German, which are recognized minority languages. The region is home to over 130 different nationalities, including significant communities from Romania, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia. This multilingual heritage reflects centuries of cultural exchange at the intersection of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic languages.
In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, multiculturalism isn’t just a concept—it’s everyday life. Bilingual signs in Italian and Slovenian guide travelers through border towns like Gorizia and Trieste. Residents regularly cross the Slovenian border for shopping, dining, and visiting family, blurring national boundaries. In Tarvisio, where Italy, Austria, and Slovenia meet, the local markets echo the three languages. Children grow up hearing many languages at school and at home, naturally switching between Italian, Friulian, Slovenian, and German. As a result, a student in Udine today could speak Italian at school, Friulian with their grandparents, and Spanish at home with their parents who have returned from Buenos Aires.
Dialogue Instead of Barriers: How Intercultural Exchange is Shaping Europe's Future
Europe’s diversity is growing through migration and globalization. When people with different views live side by side but don’t communicate, fear arises. Through contact with people of different cultures, we open ourselves to different worldviews, allowing us to learn from others. Therefore, intercultural understanding among young people is important to combat stereotypes and international discrimination.
- Expanding knowledge about other cultures is impossible until you experience it yourself. Intercultural dialogue allows you to delve deeper into a specific cultural sphere, such as the Friulians. Through such dialogue, we can experience the language, local dishes, and traditions firsthand.
- It all begins with views we can form ourselves or hear from those around us. The young generation is the future of the world, so through intercultural exchange, we can explore and learn, and conversation is the first step to resolving conflict.
- We meet different people – new friendships, exchange experiences and draw inspiration – allows us to improve our metrical communication skills, expand our vocabulary, both local (e.g. Italian) and English.
