Sorbian studies is an academic discipline dealing with Sorbian language and literature.[1][2] It is a subfield of Slavic studies.

Current situation

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The only institute for Sorbian studies is at Leipzig University (German: Institut für Sorabistik; Upper Sorbian: Institut za sorabistiku).[1] The University of Potsdam publishes the series Potsdamer Beiträge zur Sorabistik.[3] Furthermore, the Sorbian Institute is conducting research in Sorbian studies and biannually publishes Lětopis, the only journal on Sorbian studies.[4][5]

Students can earn a B.A. or an M.A. degree in Sorbian studies at Leipzig University. Furthermore, Sorbian language education degrees are available.[6]

History

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Initiated by Adolf Černý, Sorbian literature is taught at Charles University in Prague since the 19th century. Since 1933, there is a chair for Sorbian literature, first held by Josef Páta. In 1842, Jan Pětr Jordan, a Sorbian linguist, became lecturer of Slavistics with a special focus on Sorbian in Leipzig.[7][4]

The history of institutionalized Sorbian studies began in the 1950s with the creation of the Sorbian Ethnological Institute in Bautzen and the Institute for Sorbian Studies in Leipzig.[5][1]

Unlike students of most minor academic disciplines, Sorbian studies graduates are sought after in Lusatia, as the states of Saxony and Brandenburg guarantee that classes in Sorbian language are available.[8][9]

Notable people

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Further reading

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  • Zeil, Wilhelm (1996). Sorabistik in Deutschland: eine wissenschaftsgeschichtliche Bilanz aus fünf Jahrhunderten. Schriften des Sorbischen Instituts (in German). Vol. 12. Bautzen: Domowina-Verlag. ISBN 3-7420-1679-2.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Werner, Christian (27 May 2005). "Orchideenfach Sorabistik: Bloß keine Ostereier". Der Spiegel (in German). ISSN 2195-1349. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  2. ^ Dignös, Eva (25 August 2020). "Ungewöhnliche Studienfächer: Sorabistik". Süddeutsche Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Podstupimske pśinoski k Sorabistice = Potsdamer Beiträge zur Sorabistik". Universität Potsdam. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  4. ^ a b Scholze, Dietrich. "Sorabistik". Sorabicon (in German). Serbski Institut. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Sorabistik". Portal Kleine Fächer (in German). Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Studienangebot". Universität Leipzig (in German). Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  7. ^ "Geschichte des Instituts". Universität Leipzig (in German). Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  8. ^ Michael, Mark (1 August 2010). "Sorabistik - ein Studienfach mit Jobgarantie". Deutsche Welle (in German). Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  9. ^ "Profil". Universität Leipzig (in German). Retrieved 11 March 2023.
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