September the 3rd, 2026 – The Kaljski dialect from Kali has officially been declared a protected cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia.
The Kaljski dialect, spoken in Kali on the island of Ugljan, has officially become part of Croatia’s protected intangible heritage. By decision of the Ministry of Culture and Media dated the 26th of August, this specific island speech has been entered into the Register of Cultural Assets of the Republic of Croatia under the designation Z-8010. Morski reports that the Kaljski dialect is a distinctive speech that belongs to the Central Chakavian dialect of the Chakavian dialect group. In its explanation, the competent ministry particularly emphasised its unique linguistic structure, as well as the invaluable role it plays in preserving the local identity, rich history, customs and everyday life of the residents of Kali.
This prestigious recognition is the result of many years of effort and dedication by the entire local community. Side by side in the preservation and promotion of the indigenous expression are the “Srdelica” Kindergarten, the Kali Branch School and the parent “Valentin Klarin” Primary School, with strong support from the Kali Public Library, numerous local associations, the Tourist Board and the Municipality of Kali itself.
The particular value of this linguistic story lies in contemporary projects aimed at documenting and transmitting the speech. As part of the Kalipedia project, an extensive online dictionary has been created that today numbers around three and a half thousand words enriched with authentic audio recordings. At the same time, through the Kalamra project, free speech recordings of residents of all generations have been recorded and digitised, while the “Kualjska besida” initiative systematically encourages children and young people to creative and literary expression in their native Chakavian. With the official acquisition of the status of a cultural asset, concrete protection measures have also been secured. In the coming period, detailed documentation, scientific research and the lasting transmission of the Kaljski dialect to new generations will be carried out, with the continued active engagement of the entire local community.
