Slovenian (or slovenski jezik, pronounced as [slo’venski je’zik] in Slovenian) is an Indo-European language that belongs to the family of South Slavic languages. It is spoken by approximately 2 million speakers worldwide, naturally the majority of whom live in Slovenia. Although the country is relatively small, there are over 32 different dialects spoken. The earliest known examples of a written Slovenian dialect are from the Freising Manuscripts, dating back between 972 and 1093 (most likely before 1000). These religious writings are among the oldest surviving manuscripts in any Slavic language. Writing system: Latin (Slovene alphabet) Official language in: Slovenia, European Union