Silesian language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silesian |
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|---|---|
| Upper Silesian ślōnskŏ gŏdka ślůnsko godka |
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| Native to | Poland (Silesian Voivodeship, Opole Voivodeship), Czech Republic (Moravia–Silesia, Jeseník) |
| Region | Upper Silesia / Silesia |
| Ethnicity | Silesians |
| Native speakers | 510,000 (2011 census) |
| Language family |
Indo-European
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| Writing system | Latin script (Silesian alphabet) |
| Linguasphere | 53-AAA-cck, 53-AAA-dam |
Silesian or Upper Silesian is a language spoken mainly in Poland, but also in the Czech Republic and Germany. It belongs to the West Slavic language family. Some language experts believe it is a dialect of Polish because they share many similarities.
Contents
What is Silesian?
Silesian is a language that has its own unique sounds and words. It is sometimes called ślōnskŏ gŏdka or ślůnsko godka by the people who speak it. This language is an important part of the culture in the Silesia region.
Where is Silesian Spoken?
Most people who speak Silesian live in Upper Silesia, a historical region. This area is mostly in southern Poland, especially in the Silesian Voivodeship and Opole Voivodeship. You can also find speakers in parts of the Czech Republic, like the Moravian-Silesian Region.
How Many People Speak Silesian?
According to a census from 2011, about 509,000 people said they speak Silesian. This shows that it is a living language used by many people in their daily lives. It helps connect them to their heritage.
Is Silesian a Language or a Dialect?
There is a discussion among linguists (people who study languages) about whether Silesian is a separate language or a dialect of Polish. It shares many words and grammar rules with Polish. However, it also has distinct features that make it different.
Silesian Language Family
Silesian is part of the larger Indo-European language family. This is a huge group of languages spoken across Europe and parts of Asia.
West Slavic Connections
More specifically, Silesian belongs to the West Slavic branch of languages. This branch includes Polish, Czech, and Slovak. These languages are all related and have some similar characteristics.
Lechitic Languages
Within the West Slavic group, Silesian is part of the Lechitic subgroup. This subgroup mainly includes Polish and Kashubian. Silesian shares many features with these languages.
Writing System
Silesian uses the Latin script for writing, just like English, Polish, and Czech. There is a specific Silesian alphabet that helps represent its unique sounds.
Images for kids
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Map showing the distribution of the Silesian dialects.
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Grave inscription at a Lutheran cemetery in Střítež near Český Těšín. The inscription, which says "Rest in Peace", is in the Cieszyn Silesian dialect.
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Bilingual sign in Katowice. It shows Polish Kwiaciarnia ("florist") and Silesian Blumy i Geszynki ("flowers and gifts"). The Silesian words show how it uses words from German.
