The linguistic world mourns the loss of Professor Dragoljub Petrović (June 20, 1935 – November 16, 2024), a distinguished Serbian linguist, dialectologist, phonologist, and academic. Born in Kosor near Podgorica, he dedicated his life to the study and preservation of Serbian language and dialects, leaving a lasting legacy through his scholarship and contributions to onomastics.
A Life Dedicated to Linguistics
Professor Petrović graduated, obtained his master's degree, and earned his PhD at the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad, where he spent his entire academic career. He specialized in teaching dialectology and phonology, offering profound insights into the Serbian language, its dialects, and its evolution. Serving as the head of the Department of Serbian Language and Linguistics, as well as director of the Institute for South Slavic Languages, he guided countless students and researchers.
His Contributions to Onomastics
Professor Petrović’s work in onomastics, the study of names, stands as a cornerstone of his academic legacy. His publications, such as Onomastika Kuča (1988) and Onomastika Kačera (2003), shed light on the significance of place names and personal names within the broader cultural and historical context of Serbian and South Slavic regions. These studies explored the intricate relationship between names, geography, and identity, emphasizing how onomastics serves as a lens to view linguistic history and societal transformations.
His contributions to the field extended beyond his own research. As editor of foundational works like the Rečnik srpskih govora Vojvodine (Dictionary of Serbian Dialects of Vojvodina) and the Imenoslov bačkih Bunjevaca (Onomasticon of Bačka Bunjevci), Professor Petrović underscored the role of names in cultural preservation and linguistic diversity.
Academic Leadership and Legacy
Beyond onomastics, Professor Petrović’s work encompassed a vast array of linguistic disciplines, including phonology and dialectology. Notable works like Govor Banje i Korduna (1978) and Fonologija srpskoga jezika (2010) exemplify his dedication to preserving and analyzing the nuances of the Serbian language. His editorial contributions to journals like the Serbian Dialectological Collection and his active participation in international linguistic committees attest to his leadership in the field.
A Champion of the Serbian Language
Throughout his career, Professor Petrović was a vocal advocate for the preservation of the Serbian language and its Cyrillic script. He was deeply concerned about the challenges posed by linguistic neglect and the pressures of globalization. Works like Sumrak srpske ćirilice (The Twilight of Serbian Cyrillic, 2005) and his articles in Politika highlight his efforts to defend the integrity of the Serbian language in both public and private spheres.
A Lasting Influence
Professor Petrović’s legacy extends far beyond his publications. His influence is felt in the countless students he mentored, the linguistic studies he inspired, and the cultural heritage he helped preserve. Through his pioneering research in onomastics, dialectology, and phonology, he has left an indelible mark on Serbian linguistics.
As we remember Professor Petrović, we celebrate not only his scholarly achievements but also his unwavering dedication to understanding and safeguarding the linguistic and cultural identity of the Serbian people. May his contributions continue to inspire generations of linguists and onomastic scholars to come.
Eternal glory to Professor Dragoljub Petrović.
No comments:
Post a Comment