Here's a breakdown:
* Serbo-Croatian is a term often used by linguists to refer to the single language spoken in the region, emphasizing its shared origins and linguistic similarities.
* Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin are the standard languages used in those respective countries. They are mutually intelligible, but each has distinct differences in spelling, vocabulary, and certain grammatical features.
So, the answer depends on the context:
* If you're talking about the language from a purely linguistic standpoint, Serbo-Croatian is accurate.
* If you're referring to the specific standardized languages, you'd use Serbian, Croatian, etc., depending on the country or identity you're focusing on.
It's important to be sensitive to the nuances of these terms and the political complexities surrounding them.