Sorbianspeaking

Sorbianspeaking refers to the use of the Sorbian languages by people in Lusatia, a historic region in eastern Germany. The Sorbian languages form two standard varieties: Upper Sorbian (Hornjoserbšćina) and Lower Sorbian (Dolnoserbšćina). They are West Slavic languages, closely related to Polish and Czech, and are written with the Latin alphabet and diacritics.

Geographically, Upper Sorbian is spoken mainly in eastern Saxony around Bautzen and Görlitz, while Lower Sorbian is spoken in western Brandenburg around Cottbus and nearby towns. The two languages are culturally distinct but share roots and Latin-script orthographies, and both are used in education, media, and public life in their respective areas.

Status and usage: Sorbian languages have official recognition as minority languages in Germany under international and national frameworks. They are taught in schools in Lusatia, used in some local administration, and appear in public media and bilingual signage in designated districts. The umbrella organization Domowina coordinates language advocacy, cultural activities, and efforts to maintain use among younger generations.

Demographics and vitality: Estimates of speakers vary, but Sorbian languages survive in the region with several thousand fluent or proficient speakers for each variety, concentrated in Lusatia and among diaspora communities. Ongoing revitalization efforts include bilingual education, Sorbian-language media, literature, and cultural events to support daily use and transmission to children.

See also: West Slavic languages, Lusatia, minority language rights, Domowina.