2 Resources to Learn Polabian for Free

About the Polabian Language

The Polabian language, also known as Polabian Slavic or Elbe Slavic, was a West Slavic language spoken by the Polabian Slavs in the region of modern-day northeastern Germany. It was primarily spoken along the Elbe River and its tributaries during the Middle Ages.

The Polabian language had its origins in the migration of Slavic tribes into the area in the early medieval period. The Polabian Slavs developed their own distinct language, which belonged to the Lechitic branch of the West Slavic languages.

At its peak, the Polabian language was spoken by a significant number of people in the region, particularly in the territories of Mecklenburg, Brandenburg, and Saxony. However, with the expansion of German influence and the assimilation of the Polabian Slavs, the use of the language declined over time.

By the 19th century, the Polabian language was no longer spoken as a native language, and today it is considered extinct. However, efforts have been made to preserve and revive the language through documentation and cultural initiatives.

Polabian is an important part of the Slavic linguistic heritage and provides insights into the history and cultural identity of the Polabian Slavs. It is studied by linguists and historians to understand the development of the Slavic languages and the dynamics of language contact in the region.

Today, remnants of the Polabian language can be found in place names, personal names, and some surviving texts and documents. Efforts to document and revive the language continue, although there are no native speakers of Polabian remaining.