Politics and the Slavic Languages

Ethnolinguistic nationalism has been the norm of nation-building and state-building in Central Europe, with the number of recognized Slavic languages gradually tallying with the number of Slavic nation-states. However, in the current age of borderless cyberspace, regional and minority Slavic languages are freely standardized and used, even when state authorities disapprove. This book illustrates that decisions on what counts as a language are neither permanent nor stable, arguing that the politics of language is the politics in Central Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ethnolinguistic nationalism has played a pivotal role in the construction of nations and states in Central Europe over the past two centuries. The recognition of Slavic languages has closely mirrored the growth of Slavic nation-states, particularly following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, and Yugoslavia. However, in the age of borderless cyberspace, regional and minority Slavic languages are freely standardized and utilized, even in the face of state authorities' disapproval. This has led to a significant variation in the number of Slavic languages, ranging from a single language to as many as 40 since the turn of the 19th century.

In his timely book, "The Politics of Language in Central Europe," the author explores the dynamic nature of language decisions and their impact on Central European societies. Through the lens of Slavic languages, the book demonstrates that the classification of languages is not fixed or stable, highlighting the political dimensions of language usage. This monograph is a valuable resource for scholars of linguistics and politics in Central Europe, providing insights into the complex interplay between language, identity, and power in the region.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367569853