Samanta Baranja

Samanta Baranja is a passionate researcher, linguist, and dedicated advocate for the preservation and development of the Romani language. Since her youth, she has nurtured a deep love for languages, which led her to study German language and literature. However, she soon realized that her linguistic mosaic would be even richer if she gained a deeper understanding of her mother tongue. This realization guided her toward exploring the Romani language, a journey she began as a researcher at the Educational Research Institute.

Her passion for linguistics has not stopped at research—it has evolved into numerous important roles she currently holds. As the education coordinator at the Center for School and Extracurricular Activities, and as a contributor to the Romani language segment of the Romani radio and television program on RTV Slovenia, she actively contributes to the preservation of Romani linguistic and cultural heritage. Through her work, she not only enriches the linguistic landscape but also promotes multilingualism and cultural identity, which are essential for the Romani community.

Samanta is especially proud of the publication of the grammar of Prekmurje Romani, titled Amari čhib – Our Language, which includes chapters on sociolinguistics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. The grammar is supplemented with expert reviews by scholars specializing in Romani issues. In addition, she is the editor and one of the authors of the Slovene-Romani dictionary titled Znam romsko, which features terms and phrases in nine different Romani dialects.