Dissertationsprojekt: The National Question and the Serbo-Croatian Language Issue in the Pre-Yugoslav Space, 1830-1878

The National Question and the Serbo-Croatian Language Issue in the Pre-Yugoslav Space, 1830-1878

This PhD project explores the intricate processes of modern ethnonational and linguistic identity formation in the South Slavic regions under the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire during the specified period. By focusing on the territories that later constituted part of Yugoslavia, this research sheds light on the emergence and evolution of national consciousness among South Slavs, emphasizing the role of the common polycentric Serbo-Croatian language as a potential unifying factor. Despite shared linguistic heritage, the study critically analyzes why this did not lead to stronger national integration, examining various state and national concepts. The dissertation aims to understand the dynamics between different variations of nationalism, the influence of political, cultural, and religious elites, and the strategies of the Great Powers in the Balkans, which supported the conception of ''limited nationalisms'' to ensure a balance of power in the region. Methodologically, the research employs comparative analysis, discourse analysis, and synthesis of primary and secondary sources, including archival material from several state archives and university libraries. The expected result is a nuanced understanding of the development of national and linguistic identities in the pre-Yugoslav space, offering insights into the challenges and complexities of nation-building processes in the region.