ЕТНОГЕНЕЗА, ИДЕНТИТЕТ И ДЕМОГРАФСКИ РАЗВОЈ ВЛАХА У СРБИЈИ
ETHNOGENESIS, IDENTITY AND DEMOGRAPHIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE VLACHS IN SERBIA

Summary/Abstract: On the ethnic map of Serbia, the Vlach ethnic community occupies a special place, specific in many of its characteristics (origin, language, tradition, customs, demographic development, etc.). The paper studies the ethnogenesis of the Vlachs, through the prism of complex historical, migratory, ethnic, ethnogenetic, integration and assimilation processes, by considering different theories, attitudes and opinions often diametrically opposed, which implies the conclusion that this topic has not yet been sufficiently and multidisciplinary researched. Analysis of Vlach population development, based on the census data (1948-2011), shows large variations in their number as a result of frequent changes in national affiliation, while they are much more stable in declaring of the mother tongue, choosing their ethnicity. Alteration, concealment or loss of the national identity and crossing to another ethnic group has directly affected extreme oscillations in the number of the population of the Vlach which cannot be explained by demographic factors only. In case of the Wlach the continuous changes in case of their declaration of ethnicity have often had a crucial impact on their demographic dynamics.The census data have shown that a huge number of them in addition to the Wlach language have reported to speak one more language (usually a dominant language which is used in the surrounding where they live) and so such alterophony is a confirmation of continuous functioning of ethnogenetic and assimilation processes. Although alterophony is present to a certain extent, the Vlach language has survived to this day, which is of great importance for preserving their national and linguistic identity, and also the knowledge of the official language is necessary for full integration into the social, cultural and political life of Serbia.

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