What Is Shtokavian?
Shtokavian is one of the main dialects of the South Slavic languages, spoken across large parts of Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Its name derives from the word “što,” meaning “what,” which is the dialect’s word for “what” as opposed to “ča” (in Chakavian) and “kaj” (in Kajkavian), the other major Croatian dialects. Shtokavian itself is divided into several sub-dialects, including Eastern Herzegovinian, Šumadija-Vojvodina, and others.
The Historical Development of Standard Croatian
The process of standardizing Croatian began in the 19th century during the Croatian National Revival. Linguists and writers aimed to create a unified literary language that would be accessible and practical for the entire nation. They chose the Shtokavian dialect, particularly its Eastern Herzegovinian variant, as the basis for the standard language. This decision was influenced by the widespread use of Shtokavian among Croats and its prevalence in literature and public life.
Why Was Shtokavian Chosen?
There are several reasons why Shtokavian was selected as the foundation for standard Croatian:
- Widespread Usage: Shtokavian was spoken by the majority of Croats, especially in key cultural and political centers.
- Literary Tradition: Many important Croatian literary works were already written in Shtokavian, making it a practical choice for standardization.
- Mutual Intelligibility: Shtokavian’s features made it more easily understood across different regions compared to Chakavian or Kajkavian.
- Historical and Political Factors: The broader South Slavic language policies at the time also favored Shtokavian, which was being promoted for standardization across neighboring regions.
Features of Standard Croatian Derived from Shtokavian
Standard Croatian reflects many phonological, morphological, and syntactic features of the Shtokavian dialect. Some examples include:
- Use of “što” for “what”: This is the most visible marker distinguishing Shtokavian from other dialects.
- Accent System: The four-accent system of Shtokavian influences standard pronunciation.
- Verb Conjugation Patterns: Standard Croatian follows Shtokavian models for verb endings and declensions.
- Lexicon: Many standard Croatian words are of Shtokavian origin, although some elements from Chakavian and Kajkavian are present.
The Role of Chakavian and Kajkavian Dialects
While Shtokavian forms the core of standard Croatian, it is important to acknowledge the influence of Chakavian and Kajkavian dialects. These dialects have contributed vocabulary, expressions, and cultural elements to the standard language. However, their grammatical and phonological structures are less present in the modern standard, making Shtokavian the main reference point for learners.
Implications for Croatian Language Learners
For those studying Croatian, especially through modern tools like the Talkpal AI language learning app, understanding the Shtokavian foundation of standard Croatian can be extremely helpful. It clarifies why certain words, pronunciations, and grammatical structures are used in formal settings, literature, and media. Learners from regions where Chakavian or Kajkavian is spoken may notice differences between their local speech and the standardized forms, which can deepen their appreciation of the language’s rich diversity.
Conclusion: Shtokavian as the Basis of Standard Croatian
In summary, Shtokavian is indeed the basis for standard Croatian. The choice of Shtokavian as the foundation was deliberate, aiming to unify and strengthen Croatian linguistic identity. Today, mastering standard Croatian means primarily learning the Shtokavian-based variety, while also appreciating the unique contributions of other dialects. For anyone on their Croatian language journey, especially with platforms like Talkpal, this knowledge provides a strong foundation for effective learning and deeper cultural understanding.
