The paper presents the results of five-years sociolinguistic research (carried out since 2021) on linguistic diversity of Poland. The object of research are collateral languages that belong to the same language family as the state language, are mutually intelligible with it, and are often perceived as dialects of the dominant language. They are “contested languages” (Tamburelli & Tosco 2021) because of the lack of recognition both officially and – often – by the speakers themselves. Their “contestedness” influences language ideologies and the way those languages function in private and official life.

The analysis is based on the results of the quantitative surveys of (ethno)linguistic vitality. We take “ethno” in brackets because the groups’ identities are based not necessarily on ethnic but always on linguistic distinctions. The survey was carried out in five regions in Poland: Silesia, Masuria, Podhale, Podlachia and Kashubia. Among the languages used there, only Kashubian has an official status of the “regional language” of Poland but it still suffers of being perceived as a dialect of Polish. The analyses covers language practices, including the use of collateral languages ​​and multilingual practices, language awareness and attitudes. The quantitative results of the research will be supplemented by a qualitative analysis based on interviews and observations. The discussion will show the particularity of sociolinguistic situation of the groups that use collateral languages (in comparison with “minority” languages).

The results of the research will be presented in the perspective of a critical sociolinguistic analysis, with particular emphasis on linguistic ideologies influencing linguistic practices, as well as the relationship between the language use, its presence in private and official life, and the creation of the collective identity of language speakers and people related with this language.

Tamburelli, M. & Tosco, M. (2021). Contested Languages. The hidden multilingualism of Europe. John Benjamins.