In the lecture I shall consider the process of constructing an identity on a mass scale, with respect to different levels of group identification, using Silesia as an example. The purpose of this research is not to attempt to answer the question of whether the group that specifies itself as Silesian is an ethnic, regional or national group in the light of the prevailing law and socio-political criteria. Responses to this question depend largely on the convictions of the researchers themselves because the conditions to be met by a group aspiring to nationality status are quite arbitrary and depend on the historical situation.

In my opinion in the social sense, the Silesian identity is a mixed ethno-regional identity (with national aspirations), in an individual sense, however, it is an identity in flux, with a greater or lesser degree of consolidation.

Registration to attend the lecture online (via Zoom): johann(dot)wiede(at)uni-jena(dot)de

The lecture is part of the series "Poland and its language(s)". More information on the lecture series: https://www.aleksander-brueckner-zentrum.org/veranstaltungen/vortraege