Instead of introduction
Filed under: General — Tags: kashubian culture, language, operating system — Yurek @ 7:42 pm 29 September 2008 Comments (2)
“I am Kashubian” – uttered publicly, launches a series of questions that almost inevitably lead to a discussion about what the term “Kashubian” actually entails. Throughout the years, I have heard different opinions being expressed by both, non-Kashubians and Kashubians alike. As such, the ignorance of not knowing what Kashubian means does not really bother me, until it comes from a Kashubian. Bearing a remarkable similitude to what we were lead to believe for decades, I am deeply saddened when a Kashubian is self-conscious of his heritage. Fortunately, admitting that I am a Kashubian too normally relieves some of the uneasiness of his earlier confession. Following that, whenever possible, I make it a point to elaborate more on why IT IS okay to be proud of being Kashubian, regardless of the religious preference (Slovincians were Protestants), or the country you currently live in.
Ultimately though, I try to convey to my fellow Kashubians that not only we, the bearers of Kashubism must caress our treasure, but also should practice it in our everyday lives; thus, at least partially, pay tribute owed to our forefathers, who have inspired us to raise above the mere cultural obscurity. Language is arguably the most obvious element of any culture so, unless we preserve it, we may not be able to sustain our culture. Speak it, learn how to write it, enjoy it!
With the omnipresent informational technology, one has no choice but to agree that languages not present on the World Wide Web (WWW) have a meager chance of survival and may have a hard time to remain relevant to the incoming generation. That is why, recognizing their importance, I have decided to support the efforts of Mark Kwidzińsczi and Michôł Òstrowsczi to present Kashubians with their own operating system. I use the Kashubian version of Kubuntu and recognize the tremendous amount of work it took to develop it. Understanding that not everyone has to be a software developer or a translator, what we all can do is to install and use the Kashubian Linux; especially that it can be easily configured for multilingual support (you can read more about Kashubian Linux here). No excuses, if I can do it (my wife speaks Polish, and I use English elsewhere), you can do it too. Make a difference, be proud, be Kashubian!
Yurek Hinz
My mother, a Brunka who emigrated with her brothers, was afraid of two things: 1) that her ability to speak German would isolate her from the Polish community;2) that her knowledge of the Kaszub language would similarly isolate her not only from the Polish community, but also from her husband.
Thus, I speak Polish as a first language, only found out about my kaszub roots when my mother died at age 93.
I now know how to say the Lord’s Prayer po kaszebsczi, but not much else. I offered help to a project creating a English/Polish/kaszebe dctionary online, so that I might learn more.
Knowing that the Polish national anthem was composed by a kaszub, knowing that a large percentage of teh cavalry that helped Sobieski to rout the Turks at the siege of Vienna helps me to understand better the pride with which I should identify myself.
Not German, not Polish, we are a more ancient people than either of the first two, but sandwiched between two competing cultures adn political systems in Europe.
Let’s celebrate the fact that we still exist, that we can still learn more about ourselves.
Comment by Buklis, Wincenty — March 7, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
Wincenty,
Thank you for the post. Unfortunately your mother’s situation was typical. Many Kashubs felt “schizophrenic” as they often felt they had to choose between being Kashubian and Polish. After the WWII, the situation worsens and any attempts to promote Kashubian culture (especially language) was seen as “separatist” in nature and thus sharply opposed. Although with Kashubian recognized as a minority language (there are no oppressions today), many Kashubs don’t’ always know what to do with their Kashubism treating it as an uncomfortable stigma. What we also observe in Kashubia is the regrettable tendency to abandon the Kashubian language. Consequently, many Kashubians cannot speak their own language anymore.
I fully concur with your last statement and hope the Kashubs will grow into appreciating their unique, and sadly, fading culture.
Yurek
Comment by Jurk — March 8, 2009 @ 9:33 pm