Abstract:
This report presents the situation of the two Sorbian languages: Upper and
Lower Sorbian. Referring to the Joshua A. Fishman’s Graded Intergenerational
Disruption Scale, the Author presents the stages in the maintenance of these two
languages as well as the activities taken by the minorities towards their protection
and revitalization. The situation of the Lower Sorbian language can be perceived as
dramatic. Only a small group of people from the oldest generation use it in every‑
day life. The education programs aimed at revitalizing this language (immersion
kindergarten Witaj) do not fulfill the hopes placed in them. The linguistic situation
in Catholic Upper Lusatia seems to be different. The intergenerational community
using the Upper Sorbian language still exists, numerous institutions and associations
proposing different cultural and linguistic activities are functioning. Unfortunately,
the Sorbs do not make use of the language rights given to them. As a result of their
passive attitude, the Sorbian languages do not function in the public life in Lusatia.
In face of the demographic changes, strong migration, unemployment in Lusatia
and the very low prestige of the Slavonic languages – any revitalization processes
are difficult to accomplish.
