Description and Standardisation of the Contemporary Serbian Language

The research subject of this long-term project is a systematic and comprehensive description of the contemporary Serbian language based on the use of results reached by the latest discoveries at all levels of linguistics: phonetics and phonology, morphology and derivation, syntax, lexis, semantics and pragmatics. Such research facilitates getting a real picture of the contemporary Serbian language, of the degree of its development, of its heterogeneousness (functional-stylistic, and other aspects) and of its standardiastion level. This can create the grounds for an adequate language policy and language planning suited to the current social and linguistic setting. Based on such data tasks on standardising Serbian can be planned, i.e. tasks on the amendment of the language norm so that Serbian, like other modern European languages, should be as functional a means of communication as possible in the present-day situation of Serbian society. Simultaneously, that will also enable the modernisation of standard language instruments – grammars of varying scope and character, dictionaries and other manuals of normative character. Finally, that will facilitate an advancement of language culture as well.