ABSTRACT
The Balkans constitute the exemplar in Trubetzkoy’s definition of the sprachbund. This chapter describes commonly cited features and a history of the region and field. Balkan languages are characterized by a significant degree of morphosyntactic and syntactic convergence and shared vocabulary. Shared vocabulary is not limited to so-called culture words but also includes a type identified by Friedman and Joseph as Essentially Rooted in Conversation (ERIC loans). Phonological convergences are restricted to local levels. Thus, it is more accurate to speak of Balkan phonologies rather than Balkan phonology. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the Balkans as a linguistic area today.
