Oberschlesisch

Oberschlesisch, or Upper Silesian, denotes the group of Silesian dialects spoken in Upper Silesia, a historic region in the southern part of present-day Poland. It is part of the West Slavic language family and sits within the broader Silesian language continuum. Its precise status is debated: many linguists treat Oberschlesisch as a dialect of Polish, while others classify it as a distinct Silesian language. In everyday use, speakers may identify as Silesian, Polish, or both.

Geographically, Oberschlesisch is spoken in Upper Silesia, including urban centers around Katowice and Gliwice and in parts of the Opole region. The area has a complex history of borders and population movements, especially after World War II, which created a multilingual and multicultural linguistic landscape. German influence remains evident in older loanwords and expressions, reflecting centuries of contact with neighboring German-speaking communities.

Linguistically, Oberschlesisch features phonological and lexical traits that set it apart from standard Polish, while retaining core Slavic grammar. Its vocabulary shows substantial German and Czech borrowings, and certain sound shifts distinguish it from other Polish varieties. There is no single codified standard, and multiple orthographies coexist, often drawing on Polish-based conventions or on Silesian-specific spellings. The dialect remains a key element of regional identity for many speakers and is heard in local media, literature, and cultural events, even as it coexists with dominant nationwide languages.