Wokół duszpasterstwa polskojęzycznego na Śląsku Opolskim (1922–1939). Rozeznanie sytuacji prymasa Polski, Konsulatu RP w Opolu i korespondentów polskiej prasy

Abstract

Since the 12th century the Germans have settled among Polish- and Czech-speaking populations in the Silesia. The immigration has changed linguistic relationships in the pastoral ministry of the local Catholic Church. In the 18th century after the annexation of this area by the Prussian state, German became an official language there. Over time, Polish as a native language in the Upper Silesia was used publicly during religious practices. However, under the pressure of German authorities the Polish language was gradually eradicated from this area. Before the change of state affiliation of the eastern part of Silesia in 1922, which was the result of the Upper Silesian plebiscite and the Silesian uprisings, the extent of the Polish language used in the church depended on the attitude of the representatives of the local clergy. After the division of the disputed territory, the parts included into Germany were defined as the Opole Silesia, and parts excluded from Germany were defined as the Polish Upper Silesia. The language needs of the national minorities located in this area could be supported by neighboring countries which these minorities originated from. The Germans supported the German population living both in the part of Silesia granted to the Second Republic of Poland, as well as the remaining territory of the Second Republic of Poland. It has not been thoroughly analyzed to what extent Poland’s representatives were involved in activities aimed at preserving the mother tongue of the discussed population. Thus far scientific research has been focused on the political aspects of the Polish minority in the Opole Silesia. The question remains to what extent the language problems of the Polish minority in Opole Silesia concerned matters related to religious practices, as well as the degree of interest of Church representatives and state authorities of the Second Polish Republic in these language concerns. Information about the Polish language used in Opole parishes was gained from Polish newspapers. It is believed that the information provided by correspondents of local newspapers reflected the interest in this problem, expressed by members of the local Polish-speaking community.