identity

The paper presents unromantic concept of nationalism of Jonas Zaborsky in the context of the development of modern Slovak identity. Author compares Záborský's thinking and romantic nationalism of Ľudovít Štúr. According to him, the difference of these approaches is in the method of the formation of national consciousness. Záborský rejects the romantic notion of institutionalization realized only by revolutionary means or political reform. He understands forming of the nation as a process involving the deeper social changes, including a change of mentality.

The study analyzes the sermon by Ján Kollár "Napomáhánj obecného dobrého wůbec obzwlásstě wlasti" (Help to create public benefit and especially for your motherland) which he delivered on May 21st 1848 in Lutheran church on Deák square in Budapest. László Matus tries to answer the question about the relation between Kollár's speech reviewing the April laws and the political identity of a Slovak priest. Several facts point out that his thoughts were influenced by coercion. 1. The sermon was delivered as a result of political request, 2.

In Slovak and Hungarian historiography and in the public opinions of the both nations as well, there is an extended image that in the Kingdom of Hungary before 1918 having Slovak identity and being a member of the nobility represented two opposing concepts about two irreconcilable social groups. Another widespread concept is that Slovaks were not a complete society within the Kingdom of Hungary as they lacked the nobility of Slovak origin. The aristocracy of Slovak origin (with Slovak as their mother language), had a distinguished position in the Kingdom of Hungary until the end of 1870s.

The article represents the introduction to a revue issue which is devoted to the question of ethnic stereotypes research. The author defines stereotypes as simplified mental images and representations of the world, describes their basic functions, including their cognitive, psychological and socializing functions, and their importance in forming and strengthening a group identity of an individual.