The Serbian Cyrillic Alphabet, used by Serbian and Montenegrin languages, is written in Cyrillic script. The word itself is spelled /sɜːrbiən sɪˈrɪlɪk ˈælfəbɛt/. The initial sound of Serbian is represented by the letter 's'. The vowel sound in 'Serbian' is transcribed as /ɜː/. The second part of the name, 'Cyrillic', starts with a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ and has a short 'i' sound. The final 'c' in Cyrillic is pronounced as an unvoiced affricate /t͡s/.
The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet refers to an adaptation of the Cyrillic script used in writing the Serbian language. It is one of the two officially recognized scripts for Serbian, alongside the Latin alphabet. The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet is based on the Old Church Slavonic script established by Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius in the 9th century.
The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet consists of 30 letters, each representing a specific sound. It incorporates some additional letters, distinct from the standard Cyrillic alphabet, to accommodate the phonetics of the Serbian language. The letters are phonetic and easy to transcribe, which enhances their suitability for accurately representing Serbian pronunciation.
This script has played a crucial role in Serbian history and cultural identity. It has been extensively used in literature, historical documents, religious texts, and official and administrative spheres. The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet has served as a symbol of national heritage and has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Serbian language, literature, and culture.
The Serbian Cyrillic alphabet is widely taught in schools, and educational materials, media, and signage are regularly presented in this script. It continues to be utilized in print and digital media, providing linguistic unity for Serbian-speaking communities both within Serbia and abroad.
Overall, the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet embodies the rich linguistic heritage of Serbia and has played a significant role in shaping and preserving the Serbian language and culture over centuries.