Language and Identity: Debates Intensify in Montenegro

In Montenegro, discussions surrounding the issues of language and national identity have escalated significantly. The focus is particularly on the role of waste management systems in the Zeta region and the complexities of national identity within the country. These two subjects, while fundamentally distinct, share underlying causes and principles that have drawn attention from various analysts and political commentators.

The ongoing discourse reflects a vibrant democracy, yet it raises concerns about the effectiveness of governance and the integrity of national identity. A fundamental question emerges: are those addressing the identity of the Zeta collector well-informed and well-intentioned, or are they being sidelined by individuals lacking expertise? The solution to the waste management issues in Zeta could be straightforward, as previously discussed in the publication “Pobjeda.” By installing modern wastewater treatment equipment, many problems would be resolved. Yet, skepticism persists among local residents, as they express distrust toward specialists and instead rely on those less knowledgeable.

The situation mirrors the discourse on language and national identity. Both issues require a careful approach that prioritizes goodwill, truth, and factual scientific and legal data. In Montenegro, identity and language are fluid concepts, shaped by historical and social contexts. For instance, the demographic landscape has changed, with the latest census revealing that the percentage of Montenegrins has decreased by 16.8%, while the number of Serbs has increased by 19.4%. This shift raises critical questions about the legitimacy of the census process, especially following the resignation of the chairman of the commission overseeing data collection due to irregularities.

As such, it seems prudent to allow time for stabilization before rushing into legislative changes. A more comprehensive understanding of identity formation and language evolution is essential. Notably, the fluidity of national identity is evident, as some individuals who previously identified as Montenegrins have since declared themselves as Serbs. This raises the possibility that up to 28% of the population may have similarly shifted their identity.

The discourse around language reveals that nationality and language are not synonymous. Nationality pertains to belonging to a state or nation, while language pertains to communication. Various countries illustrate this point effectively. In Switzerland, multiple official languages exist, yet all citizens identify as Swiss. Similarly, Canada recognizes both English and French as official languages, with all residents classified as Canadians.

The legal identity of a nation is more closely tied to laws, rights, history, and shared values than to the language spoken. Balkan countries often leverage language to assert national identity, a perspective that can appear outdated in relation to global standards. Historical influences, such as the presence of numerous Turkish words in Montenegrin and Serbian, highlight the adaptability of language over time.

Montenegro’s official language, Montenegrin, has been standardized and is recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 639-3) with the code “cnr.” It features its own grammar and orthographic rules, positioning it as a critical element of Montenegro’s cultural identity. While Montenegrin shares similarities with Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian, it also possesses unique phonetic and lexical characteristics.

Despite these complexities, the ongoing debates about language in Montenegro seem unnecessary. The prevalence of Turkish words in everyday use demonstrates a significant cultural exchange that enriches the language. These discussions about language identity can detract from more pressing issues facing the economy and governance.

Montenegro, with its rich cultural heritage, must resist manipulative language operations that threaten national unity. The challenges facing the country transcend the simple dichotomy of language and identity. Addressing these issues with a focus on collaboration and factual understanding will be crucial for the nation’s future stability and growth.