RUTHENIAN LANGUAGE IN THE SLAVIC LINGUISTIC REGION

Abstract

The origin of the Ruthenian / Rusyn linguistic system can be traced back to the Common-Slavic period. It is a language with its own authentic and stable linguistic system. According to linguistic criteria the Ruthenian language has characteristics of mostly Western Slavic, Eastern Slavic, and even Southern Slavic languages.

Recognized administratively in the Republic of Serbia / Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, the Ruthenian minority enjoys high degree of self-government. Legislative, executive, and judicial bodies exercise power in all areas in which the language and cultural rights of the Ruthenian minority are especially important. This applies particularly to education, culture, media, and local administration. The new legal status has enabled the Ruthenian community to establish two very important institutions – the National Council of the Rusyn National Minority and the Institute for Culture of the Vojvodinian Ruthenians.

The case of the Ruthenian language, which has been in official use for several decades both in the provincial organs and on the territory of six municipalities in which the Ruthenians live in a significant number, is by all means a prominent example for many developed European societies and states.