South Slav
Quick Summary
The South Slavs are an ethnic and linguistic group primarily residing in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. They are the most numerous European ethnic group and speak Slavic languages, which are part of the Indo-European language family.1
The South Slavs are typically subdivided into:
* Serbs
* Croats
* Bosnians
* Slovenes
* Macedonians
* Montenegrins
Bulgarians are also often included as South Slavs, despite having a mixed origin, because they speak a Slavic language.1
Linguistically, South Slavic languages are classified into two subgroups: Bosnian-Croatian-Montenegrin-Serbian and Slovene, and Bulgarian-Macedonian. While these languages share common roots, there are distinct differences in phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary that can lead to misunderstandings.2
Historically, the South Slavs entered the historical record around the 6th century CE, expanding into various parts of Europe. Their cultural and religious affiliations often align with the Eastern Orthodox Church (Serbs, Macedonians, Bulgarians) or the Roman Catholic Church (Croats, Slovenes), influencing their use of the Cyrillic or Latin alphabets, respectively.13
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Bosnia and HerzegovinaEthnic groups and religionsâŠthree groups share the same South Slav heritage. The major cultural difference between them is that of religious origin or affiliationâa difference that may be explained in part by the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, which allowed autonomous religious communities to coexist under its rule. Indeed, âSerbâ and âCroatâ referredâŠ
Read MoreâŠthree groups share the same South Slav heritage. The major cultural difference between them is that of religious origin or affiliationâa difference that may be explained in part by the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, which allowed autonomous religious communities to coexist under its rule. Indeed, âSerbâ and âCroatâ referredâŠ
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KosovoHistory of KosovoSouth Slav peoples, including the Serbs, settled throughout the peninsula from the 6th century ce forward. Meanwhile, an ethnically and linguistically distinct Albanian settlement already had begun to develop in the southwest, in what is now Albania. As Byzantine power waned, the
Read MoreSouth Slav peoples, including the Serbs, settled throughout the peninsula from the 6th century ce forward. Meanwhile, an ethnically and linguistically distinct Albanian settlement already had begun to develop in the southwest, in what is now Albania. As Byzantine power waned, the
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SerbiaPeople of SerbiaâŠand neighbouring Montenegro is of South Slavic origin. Slavic tribes entered the region from the north during the 5th to 7th century ce, encountering Illyrian-speaking peoples. Although the Slavs acculturated large numbers of Illyrians, many of the latter retained their distinctive language and customs in the complex hills and valleysâŠ
Read MoreâŠand neighbouring Montenegro is of South Slavic origin. Slavic tribes entered the region from the north during the 5th to 7th century ce, encountering Illyrian-speaking peoples. Although the Slavs acculturated large numbers of Illyrians, many of the latter retained their distinctive language and customs in the complex hills and valleysâŠ
Read More