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Sorbian

Sorbian

1 9.9
A Slavic language spoken by a small minority in eastern Germany
  • noun
: sorbio
  • The Upper Sorbian language is still taught in some schools in Saxony.

Examples

  • He is fluent in both Sorbian and German.

  • Many cultural traditions are preserved through Sorbian literature and music.

  • The Sorbian language has two main dialects.

  • Many Sorbians celebrate their culture with festivals.

  • He is fluent in both Sorbian and German.

  • The Upper Sorbian language is still taught in some schools in Saxony.

  • Many cultural traditions are preserved through Sorbian literature and music.

Synonyms

Sorbian language
vsSorbian
9.9

A Slavic language spoken by the Sorb people in eastern Germany

refers to either of two related West Slavic languages rather than a single one
Lusatian
vsSorbian
9.9

A Slavic language like Polish or Czech, spoken in southeastern Germany in the area called Lusatia and also called Sorbian

is broader referring to either of two related languages rather than a regional term
Wendish
vsSorbian
  • Archaic
9.9

A Slavic language spoken by the Wends, also called Sorbian

is modern and specific to southeastern Germany rather than a historical wider use

Compounds

A Slavic language spoken by the Sorb people in eastern Germany

Surface Forms

Sorbian singular
Sorbians plural

Morphology

Sorbian = Sorb (transparent) = Sorb + ian

The language name is the regular denominal formation from the ethnonym 'Sorb' using '-ian'; learners familiar with nationality/language patterns will find this transparent.

Etymology

Sorbian comes from the name of the Sorbs and names their West Slavic language, the same group as Polish and Czech, so Sorbian refers to the language the Sorb people speak.