Pro-Serbian and pro-Russian parties in Montenegro are calling for Serbian to be granted official language status, citing recent census data indicating that Serbian is widely spoken in the country. Analysts warn, however, that the move risks stoking ethnic and political divisions in the Balkan nation.
The language debate comes amid claims from these parties that Serbian’s recognition would reflect Montenegro’s linguistic reality. But analysts argue that the push is more than just linguistic, viewing it as an attempt to polarize the country and undermine Montenegrin identity.
“Serbian is practically already in use in official contexts,” said Haxhi Shabani, a Montenegrin analyst and linguist. He noted that Serbian and Montenegrin languages share strong similarities. “This demand goes beyond language. It’s a move that could destabilize Montenegro in the long run,” Shabani added, hinting at potential political motives behind the proposal.
Xhevdet Pepiq, a former editor of several Montenegrin media outlets, sees the push as a political strategy. “These parties are playing to their base,” he said, suggesting that language is being used as a tool to retain voter loyalty, despite the lack of broad interest among Montenegrin citizens in changing the language’s status.
The debate follows a census showing unusual discrepancies, with more Montenegrins than speakers of Montenegrin as a native language. Similar patterns were seen among ethnic Albanian residents. “These results expose the underlying effects of historical discriminatory policies,” Shabani explained.
Under Montenegro’s constitution, Serbian is already acknowledged as a language “in official use” alongside other languages. But critics of the pro-Serbian stance argue that a formal status change could disrupt Montenegro’s civic state model, leading to sharper ethnic divides and intensifying identity politics.
“The focus on language signals a deeper identity crisis in Montenegro,” noted Nikollë Berishaj, another analyst. He emphasized that these moves could further strain social cohesion, shifting the country away from its civic unity.
Political analysts agree that while language can reflect a country’s diversity, formalizing Serbian’s status could stir fresh ethnic tension in Montenegro, with lasting social consequences.
