Languages of Yugoslavia are all languages spoken in former Yugoslavia. They are mainly Indo-European languages and dialects, namely dominant South Slavic varieties (Serbo-Croatian, Macedonian, and Slovene) as well as Albanian, Aromanian, Czech, German, Italian, Venetian, Balkan Romani, Romanian, Pannonian Rusyn, Slovak and Ukrainian languages. There are also pockets where varieties of non-Indo-European languages, such as those of Hungarian and Turkish, are spoken.

Language policies in Yugoslavia

From 1966, linguistic and ethnic divisions were part of the public discussion in Yugoslavia. Language policies were delegated to the communal level. Language situation was reflected in each republic's constitution, and more detailed in communal constitutions.^[1]

Yugoslavia established its language policies at the federal, republic, and communal levels.

Federal language policy was drafted by the following four principles:^[1]

1. Domestic measures were the basis of language policy.
2. Special measures were required. Guaranteeing "equal rights" for all ethnic groups was insufficient.
3. Integration of all nations and nationalities depends upon the ability of the politico-administrative structure to provide mechanisms of expression.
4. Each nation and nationality should have a direct voice in determining specific measures.

List of languages in Yugoslavia

This is a list of the languages of the former country of Yugoslavia:

See also

• Yugoslav Sign Language, a sign language based on Serbo-Croatian
• Languages of the Soviet Union

References