Ante Selak Passed Away: The Heart of Croatian Linguistics Has Stopped Beating!
Have you heard of Ante Selak? If not, it’s time to meet the man who was a pillar of Croatian linguistics! At the age of 76, Ante Selak, a professor, linguist, and true patriot, passed away. He dedicated his entire life to studying and preserving the Croatian language.
Who Was Ante Selak?
Born in Rašćani Gornji, Selak completed classical gymnasium in Split, then graduated and earned his doctorate at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb. His specialty was Croatian grammar and orthography, and he built his career in numerous institutions related to language and education.
His Contributions
Selak was not only a professor at the Teacher’s Faculty in Zagreb since 1977 but also an author, editor, and compiler of many significant works. Among them are “Croatia Forever,” contributions to Croatian state-building thought, reissues of “Ričoslovje Šime Starčevića,” and the lexicon of Croatian language and literature. He was also one of the founders and the first director of the Croatian University Publishing House.
Why Is His Passing a Huge Loss?
In a time when the Croatian language faces many challenges, from globalization to digitalization, losing one of its greatest protectors and experts is a massive blow. Selak was not just a scholar but a patriot who left an indelible mark with his expertise and love for the language.
The Final Farewell
The final farewell to Ante Selak was held on July 22 in his native Rašćani, where friends, colleagues, and all who respected and loved him gathered.
What Can We Learn?
In an era when language is often neglected or used superficially, Ante Selak’s example reminds us how important it is to cherish and nurture our language. His life and work are a call for all of us to pay more attention to our language and culture.
Is the Croatian Language in Danger?
It may sound dramatic, but without experts like Selak, the language can become a victim of neglect and ignorance. That’s why it’s crucial for young people to be educated and continue his mission.
Conclusion
Ante Selak was not just a professor and linguist – he was a guardian of the Croatian language and culture. His passing leaves a void but also a reminder of the importance of language in our identity.
If you’ve read this far, maybe you have a story or opinion about language? Or maybe you think language is just a tool and there’s too much fuss about it? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s who! Languages are alive, and debates about them are even livelier!
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