so, let me see if i understand. someone from slovenia in the late 1800's(which was part of the austro-hungarian empire) would have spoken serbo-croatian? or slovenian? thank you, amy [email protected] wrote: In my observation the immigrants living in proximity adjusted their way of speaking. In addition they used many English words and expressions while speaking. In their original countries however there was no adjustement and no English language words to use. While in Europe I could not converse in Polish or Croatian with the Poles. The second language learned was French and this one was used at international gatherings or travel. Until not long ago the Slovenes learned what was called "Serbo- Croatian" and this we used in our conversations when they came to Croatia or we visited their land. Tatjana