The appeal, crafted by writer Szczepan Twardoch and published last Friday, marks a pivotal moment in the advocacy for Silesian language rights.
The Polish parliament has already passed legislation that would elevate Silesian to the status of a regional language, but it awaits Duda’s signature to become law.
Twardoch's compelling letter highlights the historical oversight of Silesian identity and language by the states that have governed Upper Silesia. He points out that "for the first time in history, the Republic of Poland has become the guardian of Silesian identity," a sentiment that underscores the profound cultural and historical significance of this legislative move.
Twardoch's letter also addresses the global crisis of language extinction, noting that "nine languages are lost in the world every year." He emphasizes that the survival of Silesian language and culture depends on formal recognition and support. The 2021 census reported significant numbers of Silesians, with over 467,000 people using the language in their daily lives, state news agency PAP reported.
The proposed law positions Silesian alongside Kashubian as a second regional language in Poland. This status would enable the introduction of voluntary Silesian language classes in schools, the installation of bilingual town and city plaques, and government subsidies for activities that promote the Silesian language.
Additionally, it would allow for the inclusion of Silesian speakers in the joint committee of the government and national and ethnic minorities.
Prominent supporters of the appeal include Professor Katarzyna Kłosińska, chairwoman of the Council for the Polish Language, University of Silesia Rector Prof. Ryszard Koziołek, musician Artur Rojek, actor Borys Szyc, writer Zbigniew Rokita, and journalist Robert Makłowicz, among others. Their collective endorsement underscores a broad societal recognition of the cultural richness and diversity of Poland.
This legislative initiative marks the eighth attempt by parliamentarians to secure recognition for the Silesian language or the Silesian people as an ethnic minority.
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Source: PAP