Serbo-Croatian was a term historically used to refer to a pluricentric language with several standardised varieties, including Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin. These varieties were considered dialects of a single language and were mutually intelligible. However, with the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the subsequent establishment of independent states, each of these varieties has gained recognition as a separate standard language.

The linguistic differences between these standards are primarily related to vocabulary, pronunciation, and, to some extent, grammar. The varieties are written using both the Latin and Cyrillic scripts, with each script having a historical and cultural association with different regions.

While the term Serbo-Croatian is no longer commonly used due to political and cultural factors, the linguistic unity of these varieties is acknowledged. Efforts are made in some academic and linguistic circles to promote communication and collaboration among speakers of these languages, emphasising their shared linguistic roots. Each standard variety—Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin—has its own distinct status and is used in official capacities within their respective countries.