One of the oldest Croatian dialects gets its own dictionary

In northern Croatia lies the small village of Bednja and the local Bednja dialect is one of the oldest and most unique forms of the Kajkavian speech, celebrated for its melody and complexity.

Officially recognised as an intangible cultural heritage in Croatia’s Register of Cultural Goods, this ancient dialect is more than just a way of speaking – it’s a living link to the past.

For years, dedicated locals and experts have been working tirelessly to preserve it, with a special dictionary in the works set to be unveiled by the end of 2027.

The people of Bednja hold their dialect close to their hearts. An old folk song dedicated to their homeland is fondly referred to as their unofficial anthem.

But with its distinctive words often hard for outsiders to grasp, efforts to document and protect this linguistic gem have gained momentum.

The upcoming Bednja dictionary won’t just list words and meanings – it will explain their origins and why everyday objects are named the way they are, making it accessible to those unfamiliar with the dialect.

“This isn’t your typical dictionary with a word and its definition. It’s designed so anyone who doesn’t speak Bednja can understand where these terms come from and why they’re used,” Mirko Bistrović, president of the Bednja Dialect Association, told HRT.

The project is led by the Institute for the Croatian Language, with support from local authorities and community groups. It will even incorporate material from a 1956 study by academic Josip Jedvaj, ensuring a deep dive into the dialect’s roots. Meanwhile, in the centre of Bednja, a modern cultural hub is taking shape to celebrate this linguistic heritage.

“We’re creating a versatile cultural centre for the Bednja dialect, with over €800,000 invested so far. There are two more phases to go before it’s complete. It’ll be a space where our cultural societies can perform music and theatre,” said Damir Poljak, the mayor of Bednja.

Bednja (Photo: Fraxinus/CC BY 3.0)

For local groups like the Josip Genc Bednja Cultural Society, this centre is a long-awaited dream. “We’ve been waiting for this for ages. Without your own space, it’s tough – we use this hall now, but there’s no storage, no freedom to come and go as you please,” Gabrijel Štefanec, the society’s president, explained to HRT.

The project is also fostering a sense of community beyond Bednja. “We always love visiting Bednja – it feels like home. We’re all one big family, inviting each other to events and staying connected,” said Marija Kramar, president of the Cvetlinski Zvon Cultural Society.

With the dictionary on its way and a new cultural centre rising, Bednja’s rich traditions and melodic dialect are being safeguarded for future generations. It’s a labour of love that’s bringing people together – and keeping a piece of Croatia’s soul alive.