"Attitudes matter": Language attitudes as a factor during the processes of (re-)codification of Slavic standard languages in the 19th century
Abstract
The processes of nation building of smaller European nations are characterized by an intensive concentration on questions of (standard) language. This kind of "lingucentrism" (Hroch, Macura) is accompanied by different views about the value of the language and influences the (re-)codification.
Not all Slavic languages in the 19th century experienced the same kind of recodification. This can be connected with different types of Slavic standard languages (Shevelov).
Important are such factors as positive appreciation of the mother tongue, preservation of a certain (classic) variety of a language, implementation of vernacular (spoken) language, salvation of the language (and the nation) from assimilation by another larger language (nation), the esthetic estimation of different varieties, closeness to classic languages (Latin, Greek) etc. These factors were able to influence specific codificational decisions on certain grammatical formy or whole categories (eg. infinite verbal forms such as participles, their artificial adoption, their implementation or reversely their expulsion from the standard language.
In the text, attitudes of important codificators of Slavic standard languges in the 19th century are analyzed in the context of specific codificational decisions.