Bernoláks

Bernoláks is a term used to refer to the followers of Anton Bernolák, a Slovak linguist who created the first codification of the Slovak language. Bernolák's work, primarily his six-volume dictionary "Dictiones Latinae-Slovacae" (1787-1827) and his grammar "Grammatica Slavico-Bohemica" (1790), aimed to establish a unified literary Slovak language based on the western Slovak dialect. This standardization effort was a significant step in the development of Slovak national consciousness during a period of Magyarization policies.

Bernolák's linguistic codification faced considerable opposition from other Slovak intellectuals who favored a different dialect or a more Pan-Slavic approach. Despite the initial resistance, Bernolák's system laid the groundwork for future generations of Slovak linguists. His followers, often referred to as Bernolákovci, continued to advocate for his standardized language, publishing texts and promoting its use. While Bernolák's specific codification was eventually superseded by the codification of Ľudovít Štúr in the mid-19th century, his pioneering efforts are recognized as crucial in the history of Slovak language and national identity formation. The term "Bernoláks" thus signifies a historical linguistic and cultural movement centered around his significant contributions.