The Slovene language is a South Slavic language primarily spoken in Slovenia. It is the official language of the country and is used by approximately 2.5 million people. Slovene has several dialects, which can vary significantly across different regions, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the area. Slovene uses the Latin alphabet and has a rich literary tradition dating back to the 16th century. It is recognized as a minority language in some neighboring countries, including Italy and Austria, where Slovene-speaking communities exist. The language plays a crucial role in preserving Slovene identity and culture.