From Glagolitic Roots to Modern Identity: The Origins and Reach of the Croatian Language

Irion Dekov
Apr 26
3 min read

Author: Linda Grivičić

The Croatian language is the foundation of the nation's cultural identity. The Croatian language not only connects people in Croatia, but also millions of speakers in neighboring countries and the Croatian diaspora around the world. The Croatian language has a fascinating history in which the language has been shaped over centuries by migration and cultural exchange. The Croatian language is living proof of the resilience and adaptability of the Croatian people. Therefore, understanding the history of the Croatian language offers an opportunity to gain insight into the country's past and present.

Historical Origins

The origins of the Croatian language date back to the migration of Slavic peoples to the Balkans in the 7th century. The Slavs then brought their language, or Proto-Slavic, with them. Proto-Slavic is the foundation of all South Slavic languages, including Croatian.

Furthermore, Christianity played a key role in the development of the written language. Cyril and Methodius invented the Glagolitic script in the 9th century. Glagolitic enabled the translation of religious texts and thus made literacy and worship accessible to the local population. In fact, Glagolitic is the oldest known Slavic script, and in Croatia it was used especially along the Adriatic coast and laid the foundations for a unique literary tradition.

Moreover, as the Croatian land was often occupied and influenced by different empires and cultures, the language absorbed numerous loanwords and linguistic features. One example is the proximity of Italy and centuries of contact with Latin, which left a lasting mark on the vocabulary. In addition to Italy, there is also the period of Hungarian domination, which introduced some Hungarian proverbs into the Croatian language. The Ottoman presence in the Balkans introduced Turkish words into everyday speech. As a result, the Croatian language became rich in foreign words, which indicates the diverse historical experiences of its speakers.

Language Evolution

The main changes in the Croatian language occurred in the Middle Ages and during the early modern period. For example, the Baška Tablet was found in the 11th century. It is one of the earliest records written in the Glagolitic script in the Croatian language. The Baška Tablet not only shows the early use of the Croatian language but also emphasizes the importance of local dialects in shaping the language.

Over the centuries, three main dialects emerged: Štokavian, Kajkavian, and Čakavian. Each dialect developed unique phonetic, grammatical, and lexical features.

In the 19th century, the process of standardization began. The Illyrian Movement sought to promote a unique South Slavic identity and elevate the Croatian language. The Štokavian dialect was chosen as the basis for the standard language. It was chosen because it was the most widespread and populous. Later in the 20th century, after the breakup of Yugoslavia, the Croatian standard language developed even more and emphasized differences from neighboring languages, which led to the strengthening of national identity.

Where Croatian Is Official Today

Croatian is the main language spoken in Croatia. Outside the borders of Croatia, it also has the status of an official language in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in areas with a large Croat population. As a minority language, Croatian is recognized in Serbia, Montenegro, and Austria.

When Croatia became a member of the European Union in 2013, Croatian was added to the list of official EU languages. This recognition gives the Croatian language a wider international presence and allows it to be used in official EU documents, meetings, and translations. The Croatian government also supports Croatian language learning programs, especially in North America, Australia, and other countries where Croats live. In this way, they help maintain strong ties with people of Croatian descent around the world.

Conclusion

The Croatian language is of great importance to Croats because it is not just a language, but a reflection of the history and identity of the Croatian people. The Croatian language carries a deep cultural heritage and is associated with the ancient Glagolitic script. Today, the language is very much alive, managing to adapt to modern life, while managing to retain its unique character. The Croatian language is spoken by millions of people in the country and abroad. It continues to develop, but at the same time taking care to remain a consistent and important part of the Croatian story for generations to come.