Sytuacja języków łużyckich – stan, instytucje, działania rewitalizacyjne

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.