Ready to talk – SROKA: Rediscovering the Sorbian Language

The Sorbian/Wendish language is omnipresent in Lusatia – and yet often quiet. We encounter it on place signs, in customs, in songs, and in individual family stories. Most of the time, we perceive it casually. But what happens when we listen more closely? When we give it space? Then a multifaceted view of the history, present, and future of the region opens up. Together with the Sorbian Institute, we warmly invite you to a special edition of "Gesprächsbereit." The focus is on the project SROKA, an innovative approach to revitalizing the Sorbian language in Lower Lusatia. 📅 Monday, January 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 COCO – Stadtlabor Commoning Cottbus, Burgstraße 21/22, 03046 Cottbus 💰 Participation is free 🍽 Drinks and small snacks included SROKA – the Sorbian word for "magpie" – symbolically stands for attention, gathering, and carrying on. That’s exactly what it’s about: Working together with the community on how Sorbian/Wendish can become a more audible, visible, and natural part of everyday life again. On this evening, Sophie Rädel (project staff) and Saskia Bugajowa (spokesperson for the strategy group) will provide insights into the findings so far and explicitly invite you to think along and discuss. It’s about clear questions, without detours: What role can the Sorbian/Wendish language play in the structural change of Lusatia? Where are there concrete opportunities for support and participation? And very practically: What would our everyday life look like if Sorbian/Wendish were once again a natural presence? "Gesprächsbereit" means: listening, asking questions, taking a position. Open, respectful, and curious. Additionally, we will write postcards together with small Sorbian greetings – to send, share, or keep. An evening for exchange and new perspectives. Wjaselimy se na Was – we look forward to seeing you.