JAZYK A KONFESIA SLOVÁKOV V CHORVÁTSKU V SÚČASNOSTI A ICH DOSAH NA MOŽNOSTI REVITALIZÁCIE

Religion reflected in the development of the Slovak minority as one of the basic elements (except language) of identity currently does not constitute an essential element of previously initiated development containing assimilative tendencies. However, a fundamental difference, which affects predominantly the middle and the older generation, has become evident in a number of factors identified through the questionnaire and our research for the benefit of the Evangelical Society in Ilok. The youngest generation still declares themselves as the members of the Slovak nation, yet this generation perceives their ethnic identity as double or increasingly solely as Croatian. We have not observed significant revitalization activities that would have tendencies to change the situation. All activities are mainly related to the retention of the status quo. Especially in the teaching model C, the existence of folklore ensembles and organizing of folklore events, sporting and social events. We are not sure, whether this state will ensure the future model, which would be sufficient for maintaining the Slovaks in Croatia at least in the position equal to the present one.