FSI Serbo-Croatian Basic Course

This course, which first appeared in 1965, shows its age in the introduction where it describes Serbo-Croatian as being the major language of Yugoslavia, a country that ceased to exist nearly 20 years ago.

Serbo-Croatian refers to a pluricentric language that has four recognized forms, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Montenegrin, all of which have a high level of mutual intelligibility. It is estimated that the language in its various forms has over 20 million speakers.

Interestingly, due to the complex history of the region, the Serbian variant of the language is a rare example of “synchronic digraphia” – it can be written in either the Latin or the Cyrillic script, with all literate speakers being equally comfortable with both. However, in Croatia, only the Latin alphabet is used.

For convenience, many people continue to call the language “Serbo-Croatian”, the official name of the language until the 1990s. However, a more inclusive term, Bosnian-Croatian-Montenegrin-Serbian – or BCMS for short – also exists.

Course Details

What is the FSI Serbo-Croatian Basic Course?

This FSI Serbo-Croatian course focuses on the eastern dialect of Belgrade and the central dialect of Zagreb.

The language situation in the territories comprising the former Yugoslavia is complicated, and many dialects and variations exist. However, by studying the language taught in this course, you will understand and be understood anywhere a version of Serbo-Croatian is spoken.

The course is made up of 50 units, each consisting of dialogs that present the new language as well as drills and exercises designed to let you practice what you have learned. Each unit is also accompanied by audio recordings to help you work on the pronunciation.

As a highly inflected language that uses cases and a tricky tense system, it is considered a difficult language for speakers of English to learn – but if you want to give it a go, the materials found in this free online Serbo-Croatian course will help you make a solid start.

How was FSI Serbo-Croatian Basic originally used?

This course was originally created for US diplomatic staff who were preparing for postings in the former Yugoslavia. They studied intensively, attending six hours of class per day, which was supplemented by a further two hours of personal study. During their lessons, they were supposed to speak only Serbo-Croatian, and even among themselves, outside of class, they were encouraged to continue speaking the language. As a result, after only six months, they were able to acquire a relatively high level of proficiency in the language.

How can you use FSI Serbo-Croatian Basic?

While you might not be able to recreate the perfect learning environment enjoyed by US diplomats, you can still benefit greatly from this rich source of study materials if you know how to adapt them.

If you have another coursebook, you can use the dialogs, drills, and exercises contained in this course to supplement your learning. Alternatively, if you are looking for a primary study resource, this free Serbo-Croatian course can help you master the basics – especially if you can supplement it with any other materials you have access to.

Taking it further

Volume 1

Student Text

Volume 2

Student Text

Unit	Audio
Unit 26	Tape 1 · Tape 2 · Tape 3
Unit 27	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 28	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 29	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 30	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 31	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 32	Tape 1 · Tape 2 · Tape 3
Unit 33	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 34	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 35	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 36	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 37	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 38	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 39	Tape
Unit 40	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 41	Tape
Unit 42	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 43	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 44	Tape 1 · Tape 2
Unit 45	Tape
Unit 46	Tape
Unit 47	Tape
Unit 48	Tape
Unit 49	Tape
Unit 50	Tape