Sorbs

Flag of Sorbs

Sorbs national-costume1

BOGUSŁAWSKI(1861) Das Siedlungsgebiet der Sorben vom 7. bis 11. Jahrhundert in Mitteldeutschland

Dervan

Marchia Wschodnia ok. 1000

Raddusch 07-2017 img01

Sorbs are a West Slavic ethnic group predominantly inhabiting Lusatia, a region divided between eastern Germany and western Poland. They are one of the smallest Slavic ethnic groups and are the last remaining Slavic speakers in Germany. The Sorbs have their own language, divided into two main dialects: Upper Sorbian, spoken in Upper Lusatia, and Lower Sorbian, spoken in Lower Lusatia. Despite their small numbers, the Sorbs have managed to preserve their language, traditions, and culture against the pressures of Germanization and other historical challenges.

History

The history of the Sorbs dates back to the 6th century when Slavic tribes settled in the territories of present-day Eastern Germany and Western Poland. Over the centuries, the region experienced various periods of independence, Polish and Czech rule, and German influence. During the Middle Ages, the Sorbs established themselves in Lusatia, which became a focal point of their cultural and political life. However, their territory and autonomy were gradually reduced due to colonization, Germanization policies, and the expansion of neighboring states.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Sorbs experienced a national revival, promoting their language, culture, and identity. This period saw the establishment of cultural institutions, societies, and the publication of Sorbian literature and newspapers. Despite these efforts, the Sorbs faced significant challenges during the Nazi regime in Germany, which sought to assimilate or expel non-German populations. The post-war period and the establishment of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) brought some improvements in the recognition of Sorbian rights, but the community continued to face pressures of assimilation and cultural erosion.

Language

The Sorbian language is an essential aspect of the Sorbian identity. It belongs to the West Slavic branch of the Slavic languages, closely related to Polish, Czech, and Slovak. Sorbian is divided into two dialects: Upper Sorbian, which has a higher number of speakers and is used in education and media, and Lower Sorbian, which is at a greater risk of extinction. Despite efforts to revive and sustain the language, including bilingual education and cultural initiatives, the number of Sorbian speakers has been declining.

Culture

Sorbian culture is rich and distinctive, encompassing traditional costumes, music, dance, and festivals. One of the most notable celebrations is the Easter egg painting, a craft known as pisanki, which showcases intricate designs and patterns unique to Sorbian art. The Sorbs also celebrate other traditional Slavic festivals, maintaining a strong connection to their heritage and seasonal cycles.

Current Situation

Today, the Sorbs are recognized as a national minority in Germany, with rights and protections under German and European Union laws. However, they continue to face challenges related to cultural preservation, language use, and demographic changes. Urbanization, migration, and the assimilation into the German-speaking majority pose ongoing threats to the survival of Sorbian language and traditions.

Despite these challenges, the Sorbs have made significant strides in cultural preservation and autonomy. There are Sorbian-language schools, media outlets, and cultural institutions that play a crucial role in sustaining the Sorbian identity. Additionally, festivals, traditional crafts, and the teaching of the Sorbian language and history in schools contribute to the vitality of the Sorbian community.