Language and education

The Sorbian language is the central marker of identity of the Sorbian people. The preservation and cultivation of the Sorbian language and culture receive close attention on a daily basis.

Early Childhood Education with the Witaj Model

Bilingualism in Schools and Educational Institutions

Early Childhood Education with the Witaj Model

The Witaj model was launched in 1998 in Žylow | Sielow and enables children to learn Lower Sorbian through immersion from nursery age onwards. Nurseries such as those in Bórkowy | Burg (Spreewald), Wětošow | Vetschau and Janšojce | Jänschwalde follow a concept that integrates the language playfully into everyday life.

The aim is not only to preserve the language, but to pass it on actively to the next generation. Results to date show that children participating in the Witaj project develop significantly higher levels of proficiency in Lower Sorbian.

Many of them also use the language at home. In addition, the project often encourages parents to learn and use the language themselves, thereby strengthening the overall linguistic environment.

 


Bilingualism in Schools and Educational Institutions

Lower Lusatia takes pride in its broad educational provision. Sorbian/Wendish has been taught in schools since 1952. Today, five primary schools offer instruction in several subjects in Sorbian/Wendish. In addition, around 30 schools provide Lower Sorbian language classes, including the Lower Sorbian Grammar School in Chóśebuz | Cottbus.

Challenges: The Lower Sorbian language has long faced significant challenges. The decline in the number of speakers, resulting from decades of Germanisation policies and the migration of young people, threatens its continued existence. In addition, the language is no longer actively passed on within many families.

 

School for the Lower Sorbian Language and Culture

The School for the Lower Sorbian Language and Culture organises language courses. It also offers lectures on the Sorbian/Wendish language, customs and traditional costume.

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Project ZORJA

A unique opportunity to revitalise the Wendish language is the project “ZORJA”. Over a period of ten months, participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Wendish language and culture.

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WITAJ Language Centre

The WITAJ Language Centre is committed to preserving and passing on the Sorbian language through a wide range of educational and cultural activities. It develops teaching materials, promotes bilingualism and uses digital channels to keep Sorbian alive for the future.

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