Variability in the Serbian Standard Language: Ekavian and Ijekavian in Light of the “Own – Other” Opposition (Based on Informants’ Statements)

Abstract

This paper examines the sociolinguistic context of the dual orthoepic norm of the Serbian standard language, based on the differing reflexes of the jat vowel — Ekavian and Ijekavian — through the cognitive opposition of “Own – Other.” Despite the declared equality of these norms, the Ijekavian norm (prevalent in Republika Srpska and Montenegro) and the Ekavian norm (used in Serbia) possess different statuses in practice. Observations indicate that both “Western” and “Eastern” Serbs are not always aware of this linguistic variability; furthermore, “Eastern” Serbs often do not accept it, subjecting “Western” Serbs to linguistic and cultural discrimination. The study is based on interviews with Ijekavian migrants (six informants, primarily philologists), who describe their adaptation to an Ekavian environment and the perception of the two norms on social media, as well as discussions concerning negative stereotypes toward the Ijekavian dialect and Western Serbian lexicon. The article also analyzes practical aspects of adaptation, including its impact on family, education, and the preservation of personal identity. It describes how the speech of “Western” Serbs is evaluated by residents of Central Serbia and how Ijekavians themselves perceive and assess their speech within an alien environment, demonstrating how the “Own – Other” opposition structures the linguistic and cultural consciousness of both “Eastern” and “Western” Serbs.

Received: 29.10.2025.
Revised: 01.02.2026.
Accepted: 17.03.2026.

Citation
Yakushkina E. I., Crnjak D. M. Variability in the Serbian Standard Language: Ekavian and Ijekavian in Light of the “Own – Other” Opposition (Based on Informants’ Statements) // Slavic Almanac. 2026. No 1–2. P. 316–333 (in Russian). DOI: 10.31168/2073-5731.2026.1-2.16