The Software Language Identity in Serbia – Attitudes of the Speakers Cover Image

Језички идентитет софтвера у Србији – ставови говорника
The Software Language Identity in Serbia – Attitudes of the Speakers

Author(s): Dušica Božović
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Центар за хуманистичке науке »Синтезис«
Keywords: localization of software; language ideologies; language prejudices; the Serbian language and globalization; language preservation; English as a prestigious language

Summary/Abstract: This paper deals with different attitudes of the Serbian speakers towards localized software. It is noticed that despite the concerted efforts of enthusiasts and translation teams to translate many popular programs, few Serbian speakers make use of translated software. Furthermore, many speakers are aware that such programs are available, but have had very negative experiences or maintain negative preconceptions regarding their functionality and quality. The hypothesis is that there is a deeper ideological division in the Serbian society (conservative vs. modern flow) that influences these beliefs and that these beliefs are simply prejudices. The paper concludes that one reasonable and acceptable counterargument is that Serbia has started to translate software too late, when numerous speakers have already gotten used to the English version. Nevertheless, it is stated that the Serbian language is capable of expressing all the meanings needed. Hence, it deserves to be used by modern software so that those who feel more comfortable with the Serbian version (which all Serbian native speakers would, it is just question of habit) can successfully use it on their computers. Ultimately, the government bears the responsibility to implement this.

  • Issue Year: I/2009
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 123-134
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Serbian