Njegoš i francuski jezik
Njegoš and the French Language

Summary/Abstract: Njegosh's learning, knowledge and use of French language represent a cultural phenomenon in the former Montenegro and it assures us in his uniqueness and visionary. It seems unquestionable that the learning of French language and culture made a fruitful impact on Njegosh on the ideological and literary field. Beside the professional need to know the French language, which was commonly the language of international communication in that time, thanks to it, Njegosh also had the privileged opportunity to meet directly with the greatest literary and philosophical works that were essential reading of every educated and learned man in Europe at the time. We can only imagine how much reading Voltaire, Rousseau, Vigny, Lamartine, Hugo and other great men of French spirituality and enlightenment was unusual, surprising and even suspicious for the most of Njegosh’s compatriots. On the other hand, knowledge of French language, aside from giving him intimate pleasure in reading high literature, also helped Njegosh to follow current social affairs on the broader Yugoslav and European level. Since Njegosh was also an important political figure, knowledge of French was certainly very useful and valuable in certain geopolitical estimations. Finally, verse prints in French in Njegosh’s Notebook, the only complete translation from a foreign language (Anthem of the night from Lamartine), unfulfilled desire to go to Paris, French teachers in Cetinje, an interest in professional literature in French, even in the Bible, are obvious indications that make us classify Njegosh in a privileged circle of prominent Francophone and Francophiles in Montenegro. In addition, let us wish that the influence of French language and culture, that Njegosh so sincerely admired, experiences in the modern Montenegro, the repeated rise and obtains the position which belongs to it historically and culturally.

• Details
• Contents