Dialect Delights – Language, Legacy, and Tourism

Youth Council Next Generation Skopje (Mladinski Sovet Nova Generacija)

1. National Institution Museum of Kumanovo (MK)

2. Public Library “Radoje Domanovic” Leskovac (RS)

3. Civic Association “Spa” (RS)

Municipality of Kumanovo

City of Leskovac

1.        Local population in the cross-border region of Leskovac (Serbia) and Kumanovo (Northern Macedonia), particularly those who speak or have knowledge of the local dialect

2.        Cultural institutions, including museums, libraries, and local cultural centers

3.        Tourism organizations and service providers in both regions

4.        Local and regional authorities involved in cultural preservation and tourism development

5.        Educational institutions, particularly those involved in language and cultural studies

6.        Artists, performers, and craftspeople who work with traditional cultural expressions

Local food producers and restaurateurs who can showcase regional cuisine

To foster sustainable tourism development in the cross-border region of Leskovac (Serbia) and Kumanovo (Northern Macedonia) by leveraging and promoting the shared cultural heritage, with a specific focus on the unique local dialect as a bridge for communication and cultural exchange.

Specific Objectives

1.   To preserve, valorise, and promote the shared linguistic heritage of the Leskovac-Kumanovo region.

2.   To develop and implement innovative cultural tourism products and experiences based on the local dialect and increase tourist arrivals and extend the length of stays in the cross-border area through enhanced cultural offerings.

To strengthen cross-border cooperation between cultural institutions and local communities in heritage preservation and tourism development.

Results

1.        Increased awareness and appreciation of the shared linguistic heritage among locals and tourists.

2.        Developed and promoted new thematic routes focused on the local dialect and improved tourism infrastructure and services supporting cultural heritage experiences.

3.        Enhanced capacity of local cultural institutions to preserve and promote linguistic heritage.

Increased number of cultural events and tourism products showcasing the local dialect and related cultural aspects.

OP2-Developed and promoted new thematic routes focused on the local dialect and improved tourism infrastructure and services supporting cultural heritage experiences: 3.1 Create “Dialect Discovery Trail” connecting key cultural sites in both regions, 3.2 Create “Words and Flavors Route” combining linguistic heritage with local cuisine experiences, 6.1 Create interactive dialect exhibits in both the museum and library, 6.4 Develop audio guides in the local dialect for key cultural sites, 6.2 Install informational panels along thematic routes highlighting dialect features and cultural context, 6.3 Create a joint digital platform for virtual exploration of the dialect and associated cultural heritage, accessible to both tourists and researchers with VR and augmented reality.

OP3-Enhanced capacity of local cultural institutions to preserve and promote linguistic heritage: Establish a cross-border network of cultural institutions, formalizing cooperation between the Public local history museum (Kumanovo) and the Public local library (Leskovac), and interested parties in dialect preservation, 7.1 Organize capacity-building workshops for staff of cultural institutions and local tourism stakeholders (Innovation Training for Heritage Presentation), 5.3 Implement a “Dialect Ambassador” program, training local guides to provide authentic, dialect-rich experiences for tourists, promoting famous actors from dialect speaking region to promote it.

OP4-Increased number of cultural events and tourism products showcasing the local dialect and related cultural aspects: 4.5 Organize “Leskovac-Kumanovo Dialect Days” featuring competitions in prose, poetry, drama, and stand-up comedy, Organize “Tastes of Our Words” food festival showcasing local cuisine with dialect-themed presentations, 4.3 Organize traditional local costume fashion show with trade show of replica of the traditional local jewelry and costumes, 5.2 Create “Words and Flavors Route” cookbook with intro on dialect with local recipes.