The Specificity of Inscriptions on Aromanian Tombstones in Macedonia (Sociolinguistic and Ethnocultural Aspects)

Abstract

This study examines the linguistic features of epitaphs on tombstones in Vlach cemeteries in Kruševo, Bitola, and surrounding Aromanian villages in North Macedonia. The Balkans are known for their cultural diversity and intermarriage, which has led to the decline of Aromanian, a minority language spoken in the region. The epitaphs on these tombstones provide a glimpse into the sociolinguistic situation of Aromanians in this area. Field research found that epitaphs in Aromanian are exceedingly rare, with only 32 such inscriptions identified. Despite their scarcity, these examples provide a unique opportunity to analyse the linguistic features of Aromanian while also highlighting the influence of other languages and cultures on its traditions. Macedonian, as the dominant and socially prestigious language today, exerts a particularly strong influence on Aromanian. At the same time, the epitaphs reflect a strong sense of ethnic identity among the Aromanians, who find alternative ways to preserve their cultural heritage. This is evident in the use of Vlach nicknames, the Latin alphabet for transcribing Macedonian names, and the blending of Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Church recommendations may influence the choice of language for epitaphs. The analysis of tombstone inscriptions sheds light on the complex processes of linguistic and cultural adaptation among Aromanians in contemporary Macedonian society.