Silesia, Cieszyn, Těšín, Zaolzie, identity, multiculturalism, Polish, Czech

One of the important factors binding an ethnic group is a language. From this point of view, it has to be stressed that in the territory of the historic Duchy of Teschen we have recorded the presence of members of Polish, Czech and German. Over the centuries, Latin, German, Czech and Polish have been used as official languages. Regarding the current usage of standard language varieties, the formal Czech, Polish and – to a lesser extend – Slovak are used. As far as dialects are concerned this group belongs of the southern subgroup of Silesian dialects, the majority of which are located in the polish territory. The dialect is used by the local inhabitants of both Polish and Czech nationalities. Apart from dialect, other language forms used are standard Czech (it is a compulsory class in Polish-language schools), standard Polish as a code of pedagogical communication in local Polish schools, the language of Polish minority magazines; Polish plays on the Polish stage of the Těšín Theater are also shown in Polish language. Polish is used at the events organized by Polish organizations and Polish church services. The Těšín Silesian dialect is probably the most widespread communication code and performs the function of natural, commonly spoken language. Its usage is not determined by age or ethnicity. Generally speaking, the inhabitants of the area are bilingual and, depending on the communication situation, choose the appropriate language code. However, the ethnic identity cannot be derived only from language usage, although language identity is one of its important elements. Nowadays, the situation is different – the Czech majority does not feel the need to emphasize its ethnicity, and Polish minority, thanks to Polish schools, organizations, democratization processes and participation in Polish cultural life, declares Polish nationality, but stresses its specific region origin.