Zorja project in Dissen: This is how we enliven the Lower Sorbian language!

Zorja project in Dissen: This is how we enliven the Lower Sorbian language!

in Dissen (Spree-Neisse) the language project "Zorja" is continued, which is devoted to the preservation and promotion of the threatened language low-sorbically. This innovative project aims to win around a thousand new spokesman for the Lower Sorbian language by 2050, a serious endeavor in a region in which Sorbian culture plays an important role. Project manager Maximilian Hassacky emphasizes how important the Sorbian language and culture is for Lausitz and emphasizes the importance of such initiatives for the identity of the people living there. According to [RBB24] (https://www.rbb24.de/panorama/biebtrag/2025/06/zorja language project project-sorbisch-renn-dissen.html), the program has now been sent to the second round, which runs over a period of ten months.

The project, which, in addition to learning the language, also deepens the culture of Sorbs, offers the participating scholarships that enable financial independence. This measure is crucial for adults who take part in the courses from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. A high demand for the program already leads to considerations of initiating another project in order to integrate Sorbian into the teacher training.

insights into the program

The Zorja project is supported by four language coaches and a personal mentor, also called "KMótš", is provided to each participant. The learning methods follow natural language acquisition principles, which dispenses with traditional grammar tables and vocabulary lists. Instead, project and cultural-based activities are carried out that help the learners to experience and apply language in context. As described on the Zorja website, the program also includes excursions to Lausitz and internships in Sorbian work environment to anchor the language in everyday life Zorja.

The participants of the program have different previous knowledge. While some of Sorbian have already learned at school, others hear the language at home. A realistic goal for beginners is the B1 level; Three participants even achieved the C1 level this year. Lisa Wimmer and Erik Bivour, two participants in the Zorja project, report on their personal experiences and how the project has shaped their view of Sorbian traditions and their own identity.

background to the Sorbian language

The Sorbian language is part of the flood of regional and minority languages, which are recognized by the Charter to protect and promote these languages ​​in Europe. This charter was discussed in the Bundestag on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, which shows how important the protection of such languages ​​is. The Charter applies in 25 countries and stipulates that since January 1999 the Lower Sorbian in Germany has been protected Germany radio.

The promotion of the Sorbian language in public life, through teaching and media offers is crucial for the preservation of this cultural identity. Institutions and projects such as Zorja play an important role in providing educational opportunities and strengthening the Sorbian community. The next round of the program starts in September 2025 and the application deadline ends on February 23, 2025.