Slovify - An App for Initial Slovenian Language Learning for Immigrants from Croatian-Speaking Backgrounds

Integrating into a foreign-speaking environment requires language acquisition and cultural understanding. The Slovify application (app), developed as part of a master's thesis in Pedagogy at the University of Maribor [1], facilitates Slovene language learning at the entry level (A1). Drawing from existing literature, online resources, and the author's immigrant experience, the app aligns with SEJO [2] knowledge standards and didactic principles for foreign language learning. Slovify targets Croatian-speaking immigrants, as well as others from the former Yugoslavia, and it supports Slovenian language learning according to the needs and time of the users. Freely accessible via QR code on Google Play and Google Disk, Slovify was created using the free MIT App Inventor tool and split into two parts (Slovify 1 and Slovify 2), because of space limitations. The app employs Croatian as a source language and Slovene as a target language and is divided into ten chapters, each of which addresses a specific aspect of everyday life (e.g., personal identity, relationships, transport and guidance, body and health). Each chapter encompasses vocabulary, reading and listening exercises and provides a glossary and translator for reference.