LJUBLJANA CASE: The University of Graz as a Slovene Cultural Centre: The Influence of Slovene Scholars on the Right to Assemble

Graz today, from wikipedia.org

My research focused on the role of Slovene scholars in shaping their right to assemble, particularly through their contributions to national consciousness, linguistic development, and the formation of Slovenian political and cultural identity. It centred on the early nineteenth-century, geographically the territory of modern-day Slovenia and Austria (which were then parts of the Austrian Empire and French-administered Illyrian Provinces), and I explored important figures like Janez Nepomuk Primic and early student societies such as Societas Slovenica.

At that time, the Slovene-speaking population was split between these two regimes. Some lived in the Austrian Empire, others in the Illyrian Provinces, which were autonomous French territories that existed under Napoleonic rule from 1809 to 1814. Last year, one of our colleagues, Vida Babič, discussed the reforms brought by the French during that era, especially in administration and education, and the significant promotion of Slovene language, as for the first time after the protestant period in the 16th century, Slovene was used as a teaching language in education, which left an important mark on Slovene linguistic development. Valentin Vodnik prepared and published most of the textbooks that would be used for teaching Slovene until the revolutionary year of 1848. 

During this period, Slovene language was being standardized in a major way for the second time after the protestant period. Since it was necessary to create a unified version from multiple regional dialects, key figures such as Primic, Vodnik, and Kopitar, seized the opportunity to deepen the work of the Protestants; Valentin Vodnik worked in Ljubljana, Jernej Kopitar in Vienna, and Janez Nepomuk Primic in Graz. 

Going back to the other part of the Slovene-speaking population that lived under the Austrian Empire, especially in the Styria region, in the city of Graz. This city, which is today the second largest Austrian city, is attributed with having an essential role in the development of Slovene cultural identity and language, and I had the chance to explore these deep historical ties during my Erasmus exchange in the winter semester of 2024/2025.  

The cultural impact is obvious from the beginning, even from the name Graz (or Gradec, meaning “small fortress” in Slovene). There are other various place names, like Raknitz (Raknica), and districts like Lend and Gries (once referred to as Windische Vorstadt, or “Slovenian suburbs”), that point to a long-standing Slovene presence in the region. Slovene language could be heard in everyday life in Graz, especially in the rural areas – for example, before 1848, the police force in the city had to be proficient in spoken Slovenian to communicate effectively with the local population. During the Biedermeier period, Styrian estate administrators were even offered Slovenian language courses, as Slovenian was essential for managing estates in Lower Styria. 

Coming back once again to the Illyrian provinces and their promotion of Slovene language, this new direction also influenced a shift in attitudes towards the language in Styria and Carinthia. This was largely driven by Janez Nepomuk Primic, who was supported by Jožef Alojzij Jüstel—a counsellor in the Styrian provincial government responsible for religious and educational matters. Jüstel was a clergyman, who was aware of the need of theological students in Graz to familiarise themselves with Slovene language, so they could better serve that specific part of the population.  

Graz wasn’t just a place where Slovene was spoken—it became an academic hub for its development. In the 19th century, the University of Graz started offering Slovene-language lectures in law, theology, and medicine. This marked the beginning of formal Slovene professional terminology. Many professors in the Slavic Studies department were of Slovene descent and actively contributed to this linguistic and cultural evolution. 

One especially important milestone was the introduction of Slovene in midwifery training. Johann Nepomuk Köm, a surgeon and twice rector of the university, even published a book on obstetrics in Slovene. The Faculty of Theology had at least five Slovene professors during the 19th century, and important Slovene figures were also active at the Faculty of Law—such as Josef Krainz and Janez Kopač. 

Beyond academia, the University of Graz contributed to the standardization of Slovene legal terminology. Even before 1848, language courses were held for estate administrators, and in the following years, Slovene-language lectures became more common. Student life among Slovenes in Graz was vibrant, especially in the second half of the 19th century. Slovene students founded various types of societies—liberal, Catholic, and educational. Some of these groups even organized kindergartens, support associations, and a fencing club. These societies played a big role in shaping Slovene national consciousness. 

The Faculty of Law also helped document Slovene student life in a practical way. New rules from 1810 required student records to include information about their hometowns and their parents' occupations. These records give us valuable insights into where Slovene students came from and what they went on to do. 

A figure, integral to my research, was the aforementioned Janez Nepomuk Primic. His correspondences with the leading figures of the Slovene cultural development, particularly Jernej Kopitar, were some of the documents I focused on. I analysed his letters, which discuss the role of the language in education, the challenges of its establishment in official institutions, and broader cultural and political issues of the time. 

Primic himself is a fascinating figure. He studied law in Graz, starting in 1807, but shifted toward Slovene studies under the influence of his high school teacher Valentin Vodnik and later Jernej Kopitar. After reading Kopitar’s articles in the Viennese press, Primic began corresponding with him, soon became deeply involved in language and national issues and actively participated in translating world literature into Slovene language. 

In 1810, under Kopitar’s guidance, Primic founded Societas Slovenica, the first Slovene student society in Graz. Its purpose was to inspire future clergy and academics in Styria to support the Slovene national revival. Through this society, and through his later work at the university, Primic left a strong mark on Slovene linguistics and education.  

In conclusion, Graz played a crucial role in shaping Slovene identity. It wasn’t just a city where Slovenes went to study—it became a centre where they created, debated, and defined what it meant to be Slovene. From academic lectures to student societies, and from legal terminology to national literature, the University of Graz helped build the foundation for modern Slovene culture, language, and rights. This report describes my findings, but it only covers part of what I originally set out to research. Due to various complications, I was unable to fully explore all aspects, especially regarding the right to assemble. What I hope to explore in the future is the role of Slovene student societies - their structure, goals, and influence. 

By Ajra Šišernik

Bibliography:

Šumrada, J. (2002). Janez Nepomuk Primic: Zalog, 23. april 1785 - Zalog, 3. februar 1823. Škofljica: Občina Škofljica. 

Primic, J. N. (1934). Korespondenca Janeza Nepomuka Primca: 1808-1813. Ljubljana: Znanstveno društvo. 

Karničar, L., & Rajšp, V. (Eds.). (2011). Gradec in Slovenci / Graz und Slowenen: Sammelband zum gleichnamigen Symposium vom 20.–21. Vienna: Slovenski znanstveni inštitut = Slowenisches Wissenschaftsinstitut; Ljubljana: Založba ZRC, ZRC SAZU; Graz: Institut für Slawistik, Karl-Franzens-Universität.