The Saxon State Parliament wants to better protect the Sorbian language. A motion to that effect received majority support in the State Parliament. The state government was called upon to implement the obligations under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and to report back to the State Parliament on this matter. “The Sorbian language is not a niche issue,” said Green Party caucus leader Franziska Schubert. “We are talking about a part of Saxony that is a crucial component of the Free State’s identity.” The parliament bears responsibility for the Sorbian minority, its rights, and its visibility. The Federal Executive Board of Domowina (Federation of Lusatian Sorbs) expressed concern about the staffing situation at Sorbian schools in the Free State and reminded everyone that the promotion of Sorbian is a constitutional mandate. This requires a sufficient number of teachers who have a solid command of Sorbian and use the language throughout the school day. The state government was called upon to address this staffing issue, as otherwise the educational mandate and the future of the Sorbian language would be jeopardized. “I come from Upper Lusatia. There, Sorbian isn’t just an abstract concept. You encounter it on town signs, at daycare centers, in schools, church communities, and cemeteries, as well as in clubs and at cultural events,” said Green Party politician Schubert. Within families, she added, the language is passed down from generation to generation. “It needs a government that creates the framework conditions to ensure it has a future.” Under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, governments have the opportunity to assume specific obligations to protect and promote their minority languages. Saxony did so 26 years ago, but that is not enough, the Greens explained. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reservedSorbian Is Not a Niche Issue
Domowina Concerned About Staffing Situation in Schools
Language is passed down from generation to generation
