Language/Bosnian/Culture/Famous-Writers-and-Works

Bosnian → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Bosnian Literature and Cinema → Famous Writers and Works

Bosnian literature is steeped in the country's complex history and culture. It reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Bosnian people throughout the years. From traditional folk tales to modern-day novels, Bosnian literature offers a wide range of genres and themes. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most famous Bosnian writers and their works. You will also practice using literature-related vocabulary in conversations.

Famous Bosnian Writers

Bosnia has a long tradition of storytelling, dating back to the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, many notable writers emerged, each with their unique style and voice. Here are some of the most famous Bosnian writers:

Mesa Selimovic

Mesa Selimovic was a Bosnian writer and intellectual whose work is widely considered to be some of the best in the Bosnian language. He was a professor of literature at the University of Sarajevo before retiring to focus on his writing.

Selimovic's most famous novel, "Death and the Dervish," is a philosophical and introspective tale about the struggles of a Muslim traditionalist during the Ottoman Empire's decline. The book has been translated into several languages and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Bosnian literature.

Ivo Andric

Ivo Andric was a Bosnian writer and diplomat who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1961. His most famous work, "The Bridge on the Drina," is a novel that explores the history of the Bosnian town of Visegrad and its famous bridge. The story spans several centuries, from the bridge's construction in the 16th century to its destruction in World War I.

Andric's writing is characterized by its attention to historical detail and its exploration of themes related to identity, nationalism, and cultural heritage. He is widely regarded as one of the most important writers in Bosnian literature.

Aleksa Santic

Aleksa Santic was a Bosnian writer and poet who is best known for his lyric poetry. Born in Mostar in 1868, Santic spent most of his life in Sarajevo, where he worked as a teacher and journalist.

Santic's poetry reflects the beauty of Bosnia's natural landscapes and the resilience of its people, and it often explores themes related to love, loss, and nature. His work is widely studied in Bosnian schools and is considered an essential part of the country's cultural heritage.

Famous Bosnian Works

Bosnian literature encompasses a wide range of genres and themes, from epic poems and folk tales to contemporary novels and plays. Here are some famous Bosnian works that you should know:

"The Manuscript of Kraljevic Marko"

"The Manuscript of Kraljevic Marko" is a famous Bosnian epic poem that tells the story of the legendary hero Kraljevic Marko. The poem dates back to the 15th century and has been passed down through oral tradition for centuries.

In the story, Kraljevic Marko battles against the Ottoman Empire to defend his homeland and his people. The poem is a celebration of Bosnian heroism and resistance against foreign invaders.

"Zlata's Diary"

"Zlata's Diary" is a memoir written by Zlata Filipovic, a young girl who lived through the Bosnian War in the 1990s. The book is a powerful and moving account of the war's impact on ordinary people, told through the eyes of a child.

"Zlata's Diary" has been translated into over 30 languages and is widely regarded as an important work of literature that sheds light on the human cost of war.

"Sjećanja, moja bosanska krčma"

"Sjećanja, moja bosanska krčma" (My Bosnian Tavern Memories) is a novel by Branko Ćopić, a Bosnian writer who is known for his humorous and satirical style. The book is a collection of short stories that reflect on the author's memories of his childhood in rural Bosnia.

The stories offer a glimpse into daily life in the Bosnian countryside, from family gatherings to village traditions. They are characterized by their wit, humor, and affectionate portrayal of Bosnian culture.

Vocabulary

Here are some vocabulary words related to Bosnian literature that you can use in your conversations:

Bosnian	Pronunciation	English
pisac	/pi:sats/	writer
roman	/ro:ma:n/	novel
lirski	/li:rski:/	lyrical
epska poezija	/e:pska poe:zija/	epic poetry
memoari	/memoa:ri /	memoirs

Practice using these words in sentences to describe your favorite Bosnian writers and works.

Table of Contents - Bosnian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Bosnian Alphabet

• Bosnian Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Special Characters and Sounds

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Basic Bosnian Sentence Structure

• Subject-Verb-Object
• Questions and Negations

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Plurals
• Personal Pronouns

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Ordering at a Restaurant

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Bosnian Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparatives and Superlatives

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

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Hobbies and Leisure Activities

• Common Hobbies
• Sports and Fitness

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Bosnian Literature and Cinema

• Famous Writers and Works
• Bosnian Cinema

Related Lessons

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance
• Media and Communication
• History and Geography of Bosnia
• Arts and Literature
• Religion and Celebrations
• Bosnia Herzegovina Timeline
• Bosnian Cinema
• Sports and Leisure

Sources

• 11 Incredible Bosnian Authors Everyone Should Know