Serbian Gypsy Narrative: Between Preferred and True Identity

This paper discusses the narration of a Serbian Gypsy who adoptedSerbian ethnic identity. Still today in Serbia, Gypsy cultureremains in the oral form. Their narratives tell as much abouttheir present as about their past. Several themes underlyingthe discussion about Gypsy ethnic flexibility are explored:their position in relation to non-Gypsies, the way they perceiveit; varying attitudes about ethnicity within Gypsy communitiesin contrast with personal experiences of a Gypsy who adoptedSerbian identity; and the evolving nature of Gypsy identities.