The question “What do Serbs call themselves?” may seem simple, but it holds a complex and multifaceted answer. The Serbian identity has been shaped by centuries of history, cultural influences, and linguistic nuances, making it a fascinating topic to explore. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Serbian self-identification, examining the various names and labels that Serbs use to describe themselves.
A Brief History of Serbian Identity
To understand what Serbs call themselves, it’s essential to take a step back and look at the historical context that has shaped their identity. The Serbian people have a rich and storied past, with their roots dating back to the 7th century. Over the centuries, they have been influenced by various empires, including the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian Empires, each leaving their mark on the Serbian language, culture, and identity.
During the Middle Ages, Serbs referred to themselves as “Srbi” (Срби), a name derived from the Old Church Slavonic word “srbu,” meaning “glorious” or “famous.” This term was used to describe the Serbian tribes that inhabited the Balkan Peninsula. As the Serbian state began to take shape, the name “Srbi” became synonymous with the concept of Serbianhood.
The Complexity of Serbian Self-Identification
Today, Serbs use a variety of names and labels to describe themselves, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of their identity. Here are some of the most common terms used by Serbs to refer to themselves:
The Most Common Terms
- Srbi (Срби): This is the most widely used term among Serbs, both in Serbia and in the diaspora. It is a term that evokes a sense of national pride and identity.
- Srbijanci (Србијанци): This term is often used in formal settings, such as government institutions or diplomatic circles, to refer to citizens of Serbia.
- Naši (Наши): This term, meaning “our people” or “our folks,” is often used in informal settings to refer to Serbs.
Regional Identities
In addition to these national and civic identities, Serbs also identify with regional labels that reflect their specific geographic location or cultural heritage. For example:
- Vojvođani (Војвођани): This term refers to people from the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, a region in northern Serbia with a distinct cultural and linguistic identity.
- Bosanci (Босанци): This term is used to describe people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country with a complex history and cultural heritage.
- Šumadinci (Šумадинци): This term refers to people from the Šumadija region in central Serbia, known for its rolling hills and agricultural traditions.
Linguistic Nuances
The Serbian language, a member of the Slavic language family, plays a significant role in shaping Serbian identity. The language has undergone significant changes over the centuries, with various dialects and regional variations emerging.
The Ekavian and Ijekavian Dialects
Serbian has two main dialects: Ekavian and Ijekavian. The Ekavian dialect is spoken in Serbia and is the basis for the standard Serbian language. The Ijekavian dialect, on the other hand, is spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro.
- Ekavian (Екавски): This dialect is characterized by the use of the letter “e” instead of “ije” or “je” in certain words. For example, the word for “what” is “šta” in Ekavian.
- Ijekavian (Ијекавски): This dialect is characterized by the use of the letter combination “ije” or “je” instead of “e” in certain words. For example, the word for “what” is “štije” or “šće” in Ijekavian.
| Dialect | Example Word | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Ekavian | шта (šta) | SH-tah |
| Ijekavian | штije (štije) or шће (šće) | SHT-ee-yeh or SH-cheh |
The Diaspora and Identity
The Serbian diaspora, which numbers in the millions, has played a significant role in shaping Serbian identity. Serbs living abroad often identify with their national heritage, language, and culture, but may also adopt local identities and labels.
The Serbian-American Community
For example, in the United States, Serbian-Americans often identify with their ancestral heritage, using terms such as “Srbi” or “Serbian-American.” However, they may also identify with regional labels, such as “Vojvođani” or “Bosanci,” depending on their family’s origins.
The Serbian-Australian Community
In Australia, Serbian-Australians often identify with their national identity, using terms such as “Srbi” or “Serbian-Australian.” However, they may also identify with regional labels, such as “Šumadinci” or “Vojvođani,” depending on their family’s origins.
Conclusion
The question “What do Serbs call themselves?” is a complex one, with a multifaceted answer that reflects the rich cultural heritage and identity of the Serbian people. From national and civic identities to regional labels and linguistic nuances, Serbs use a variety of terms to describe themselves. Whether in Serbia or in the diaspora, the Serbian identity is a vibrant and evolving concept that continues to shape the lives of Serbs around the world.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “What do Serbs call themselves?” is not a simple one. It is a complex tapestry of national, civic, regional, and linguistic identities that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Serbian people. By exploring the intricacies of Serbian self-identification, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and the many ways in which people define themselves.
What is the origin of the term “Serb”?
The origin of the term “Serb” is still a topic of debate among historians and linguists. One theory is that it comes from the Proto-Slavic word “srbu”, which referred to a group of Slavic tribes that settled in the Balkans in the 6th century. Another theory suggests that it comes from the Latin word “surbus”, meaning “dark” or “swarthy”, which was used to describe the dark-haired and dark-skinned Slavic people.
Regardless of its origin, the term “Serb” has been used to refer to the South Slavic people who lived in the Balkans since the Middle Ages. Throughout history, the term has been used interchangeably with other terms such as “Rascians” or “Rashans”, which referred to the medieval state of Rascia, the predecessor of modern-day Serbia.
What is the difference between a “Serb” and a “Serbian”?
The terms “Serb” and “Serbian” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between them. “Serb” refers to an ethnic group, specifically the South Slavic people who share a common language, culture, and history. On the other hand, “Serbian” refers to something related to the country of Serbia, its language, culture, or nationals. For example, a person from Bosnia and Herzegovina who identifies as a Serb is not necessarily Serbian, but a person from Serbia who identifies as a Serb is also Serbian.
It’s worth noting that not all Serbs live in Serbia, and not all people from Serbia are ethnically Serb. There are Serb communities in neighboring countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro, and there are people from Serbia who identify as other ethnic groups, such as Hungarians or Bosniaks.
Why do Serbs have different names for themselves?
Serbs have used different names to refer to themselves throughout history, depending on the region, language, and cultural context. For example, in medieval times, Serbs referred to themselves as “Rascians” or “Rashans”, while in the 19th century, they used the term “Srbijanci”. In modern times, the most commonly used terms are “Srbi” in Serbian Cyrillic and “Serbi” in Serbian Latin. The use of different names reflects the complexity and diversity of Serbian identity and culture.
The use of different names also reflects the historical and cultural ties between Serbs and other Slavic groups. For example, the term “Slovine” was used in the Middle Ages to refer to all Slavic people, including Serbs, Croats, and Bulgarians. Similarly, the term ” Jugoslaveni” was used in the 20th century to refer to all people from Yugoslavia, regardless of their ethnic background.
What is the significance of the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet?
The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet is a unique and essential part of Serbian identity and culture. It was developed in the 9th century by Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius, two Byzantine brothers who Christianized the Slavs. The Cyrillic alphabet was adapted to fit the sounds and needs of the Serbian language and has been used ever since.
The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet is not only a writing system but also a symbol of Serbian cultural and historical heritage. It is an important part of Serbian national identity and is used in various aspects of Serbian life, including education, literature, art, and journalism. The use of the Cyrillic alphabet also distinguishes Serbian from other Slavic languages, such as Czech or Polish, which use the Latin alphabet.
How do Serbs refer to themselves in different regions?
Serbs refer to themselves in different ways depending on the region they come from. For example, in Serbia, they refer to themselves as “Srbi”, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they refer to themselves as “Srbi” or “Bosanski Srbi” (Bosnian Serbs). In Croatia, they refer to themselves as “Srbi” or “Hrvatski Srbi” (Croatian Serbs). In Montenegro, they refer to themselves as “Crnogorci” (Montenegrins), although some also identify as “Srbi” or “Crnogorski Srbi” (Montenegrin Serbs).
The regional differences in how Serbs refer to themselves reflect the historical and cultural complexities of the Balkans. Each region has its own unique cultural and historical context, which has shaped the way Serbs identify themselves. For example, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the term “Bosnian Serb” reflects the complex history of the region, where Serbs have lived alongside other ethnic groups for centuries.
What is the relationship between Serbian and other Slavic languages?
Serbian is a Slavic language and is closely related to other Slavic languages such as Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin. In fact, these languages are mutually intelligible, meaning that a speaker of one language can easily understand the others. Serbian is also related to other Slavic languages such as Czech, Polish, and Russian, although to a lesser extent.
The closeness between Serbian and other Slavic languages reflects the shared cultural and historical heritage of the Slavic peoples. The Slavic languages developed from a common Proto-Slavic language and share many common features, such as grammar and vocabulary. However, over time, each language has developed its own unique features and differences, reflecting the distinct cultural and historical contexts of each region.
What is the significance of the Serbian diaspora?
The Serbian diaspora refers to the community of Serbs living outside of Serbia, particularly in the United States, Australia, and Europe. The Serbian diaspora has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Serbian culture, language, and identity. Many Serbian diaspora communities have established cultural institutions, such as churches, schools, and cultural centers, which promote Serbian heritage and traditions.
The Serbian diaspora has also contributed to the development of Serbia itself, through financial remittances, cultural exchange, and political activism. Many Serbian diaspora communities have played a key role in supporting Serbian independence and sovereignty, particularly during times of conflict and crisis. Today, the Serbian diaspora remains an important part of the global Serbian community, maintaining strong ties with Serbia and promoting Serbian culture and identity around the world.