engleski

What makes a 'true' Arbanasi: Discourses of belonging among Arbanasi in Zadar (Croatia)

Arbanasi are the descendents of Gheg speaking refugees who migrated from the Skadar Lake region and settled on the periphery of Zadar (Croatia) in the first half of the 18th century. Today they are one of the smallest language minorities in Croatia and Europe. Although nowadays they largely identify as Croats, the community has been characterized by plural, complex and fluid linguistic and identity repertoires in the past as a response to dynamic socio-political circumstances in their new homeland. The aim of the study is to contribute to the understanding of complexities related to the construction of (linguistic, ethnic, diasporic minority) communities by analyzing a variety of voices and discourses of belonging among Arbanasi. Our research is based on a critical ethnographic study, which included participant observation and in-depth interviews with community members who identify as Arbanasi in various ways and for various reasons. Some of the key elements of Arbanasi identity construction are based on: a) the discourse of common historical experience of arrival and specific surnames that can be traced back to the earliest families who arrived to Zadar in the 18th century, and b) the narrative related to Arbanasi as a specific part of the Zadar urban space marked by strong affective ties for all those who identify as Arbanasi. In spite of a clear iconic link between Arbanasi language and identity, the role of linguistic competence in Arbanasi has been diminishing and presently carries hardly any role in legitimation of Arbanasi identity.

Arbanasi ; discourses of belonging ; language and identity

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