ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how the meaning of central concepts like Macedonia, Macedonian language and the languages of the other ethnic communities, history and culture are being defined and redefined. The refusal of the Republic of Greece to accept the use of the name Republic of Macedonia gave rise to a conflict which resulted in negotiations for an acceptable name which the country could use in joining the UN. The Macedonian conservative and nationalistic parties adamantly wanted complete independence for Macedonia, and they objected to the phrasing of the referendum question. The socialist flag of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, adopted in 1946, was red, and featured the outline of a golden five-pointed star in the top left-hand corner. On 9 July 1997, police removed the flags in front of the Gostivar Assembly. In the early 1990s, the quest for a new coat of arms began, along with the quest for the other symbols like the flag and the national anthem.
