Używaniy ślōnskigo lektu we polskich państwowych i samorzōndowych muzyjach na Gōrnym Ślōnsku
Use of Silesian Lect In Polish State and Local Museums In Upper Silesia

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to attempt to assess the degree of use of Sile¬sian lect in state and local museums devoted to the historical area of Upper Silesia located within the borders of Poland. The concept of Si¬lesian lect was treated broadly. Content described by museum employ¬ees as written or spoken in the Silesian dialect, in the Silesian speech, in the Silesian language, or various local Silesian dialects – such as the dia¬lects of Opole, Cieszyn or Pszczyna – was taken into account. The study was based on a questionnaire sent to thirty-six selected institutions, in which they were asked about the use of the Silesian lect in exhibition, publishing, educational and promotional activities, guide services, vi¬sitor service, and event organization, as well as an element of employee evaluation during recruitment. Thirty-three museums provided answers, but one museum send separate responses for ist two branches. A total of 35 institutions responded. Nine of them stated that they did not use the Si¬lesian lect in their activities at all. They explained this bythe lack of interest from visitors or the lack of appropriate financial resources. On the other hand, twenty-four museums declared that they had used the Silesian lect in at least one of the areas studied. Most often, the Silesian lect was used in the area of education (18 museums), and in exhibitions (16 museums), and least often in guiding and promotional activities (11 museums). In the context of the legislative work conducted in 2024 on the reco¬gnition of the Silesian lect as a regional language, the answers provided by the museums studied are worth noting. Only seven of them stated that recognizing Silesian as a regional language would influence their appro¬ach to using the Silesian lect in their activities, six museums answered that it might have some influence. However, as many as nineteen institutions stated that it would have no significance fort hem.

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