Hrvatski jučer i danas

"Croatian Yesterday and Today" is a book by Academician Stjepan Babić, one of the most influential figures in Croatian linguistics and Croatian studies during the second half of the 20th century. This work brings together the author's studies, treatises, and articles that systematically examine the fate, status, and internal development of the Croatian standard language from the past to the present day. The book's structure encompasses two key thematic strands reflected in its very title. The section dedicated to "yesterday" addresses historical sociolinguistic circumstances, the struggle for the independence of the Croatian language, and the pressures and unification tendencies it faced within various state formations. The section dedicated to "today" focuses on current normative issues, language advisory services, orthographic dilemmas, and the need to elevate the level of linguistic culture in public communication. Babić writes in a remarkably clear, reasoned, and spirited style, combining rigorous scholarly methodology with patriotic fervor and a commitment to preserving Croatian linguistic identity. "Croatian Yesterday and Today" serves as an exceptionally important historical record and essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Croatian language standardization and the struggle for linguistic independence.