The Balkans Language, Literature, History

Authors:

Pages: 15-19

Abstract:

The Balkan nations have been constituted by means of the national languages and national literatures; the great national writers have played a very important role in this process. It is well known that a national history and, consequently, politics has very often been the topic of national literature. The important function of language, literature and writers in the Balkans is just a specific historical course, but not a kind of historical failure. Also, the historical course of the West-European nations, with the typical role of national politicians, is not a compulsory pattern. Therefore, whereas in the West “The End of History” is the most prominent topic, the Balkans thematizes history, even today. It must be realized that in the Balkans national languages and national literatures are still playing a very important role in preserving the national and cultural identities. But, contrary to its former romantic and recent pseudo-romantic role of mythologization and idealization of history, the contemporary role of the national literature in the Balkans must be a kind of artistic demystification both of the past and of the present. Such a literature could – through its local thematic and specific atmosphere – call the European’s cultural attention, and, at the same time – by means of its artistic value – build any authentic national Balkan culture into the great building of European and world cultural heritage.

Keywords:

The Balkans, nation, language, literature, history, identity

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