Alternate Names: Haut Sorabe, Hornjoserbski, Hornoserbski, Obersorbisch, Upper Lusatian, Wendish
Dialects: Bautzen, Kamenz.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 13,300 in Germany (Salminen 2007). 20,000–30,000 total Sorbian, one-third in lower Lusatia and two-thirds in upper Lusatia (Salminen 2007). Population total all countries: 13,490. Ethnic population: 45,000.
Language Use: Upper Sorbian and Lower Sorbian are 2 standard languages. Authorized in local government and schools. Increasing literature production. Now accepted as a minority language. 40,000–45,000 others have some knowledge of it. Mostly older adults. Most monolinguals are very young (Stephens 1976). Also use Standard German [deu].
Language Development: Taught in primary schools. Newspapers. Radio programs. TV. Bible: 1728–1797.
Writing System: Latin
Nation of Origin: Germany
Other Comments: Sorbian has lost much of its former public support after the unification of Germany. Many Sorbian schools have been closed (Salminen 2007).