Vilamovians

Vilamovians[lower-alpha 1] are a Germanic-speaking ethnic group in Poland, living in the town of Wilamowice near Bielsko-Biała, who speak the Wymysorys language and maintain their own folk costumes and traditions.[1]

Vilamovians
Vilamovians in national costumes, Wilamowice, Poland
Regions with significant populations
 Poland (Bielsko County, Silesian Voivodeship)
Languages
Wymysorys, Polish
Religion
Roman Catholic
Related ethnic groups
Flemings, Germans, Scots, Poles, Silesians

History
Main article: Wymysorys language § History

During the Mongol invasion of Europe, the area was left depopulated and was subsequently settled by German, Scottish and Flemish settlers. Over time the Flemish and Scottish settlers in the region were assimilated, with the exception of Wilamowice.[2] Vilamovians' traditions say they are descendants of immigrants from Flanders.[3][2]

After World War II, Vilamovians were harshly persecuted in Communist Poland, since they were regarded as Germans. Their language and costumes were banned in 1946. Some of them were moved to "Recovered Territories".[2] A considerable number of representatives of this group live in Austria.[4]

As of 2018 about 300 people in the community could understand the Wymysorys language and approximately 60 people had the ability to speak it.[2]

Notable Vilamovians

See also

Notes

References
  1. Grzenia, Jan. Słownik nazw własnych. Warsaw, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, 2002, s. 370. ISBN 83-01-13710-X.
  2. Magda Szkuta, A Mysterious Linguistic Enclave in Southern Poland, December 11, 2018, British Library, European Studies blog
  3. Kostrzewa, Julian. "Martwy język żywych ludzi". Za Miastem (in Polish). Archived from the original on August 3, 2010.
  4. "Mountains, hills, cover us!" - Wilamowianie in the face of post-war persecution

Further reading
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