The contribution of Janez Orešnik to the evolution of Slovene language consulting

The article highlights the influence of Janez Orešnik on the development of language con­sulting in Slovenia. His work draws on the experiences of Scandinavian language agencies, which he thoroughly presented in his book Uradi za jezik v Skandinaviji (Language Agencies in Scandinavia, 1995). His lectures on the functioning of these agencies inspired the estab­lishment of the first Slovenian online language consulting platform, ŠUSS, in the mid-1990s. Orešnik advocated for the concept of democratic language consulting, which avoids provid­ing single, definitive answers. Instead, it offers users explanations and arguments for various language options, allowing them to make informed decisions. He emphasised the importance of scientifically grounded yet simple explanations, the consideration of language varieties, and the inclusion of historical and comparative linguistic data. His principles are reflected in the Language Consulting Service (Fran Ramovš Institute of the Slovenian Language), which continues the tradition of language consulting and engaging with language users.