Kaszubski dyskurs narodowościowy – spojrzenie antropologiczne

An animated discussion concerning the status of the Kashubs is at present ongoing in Kashubia. In 2005, the Act on National and Ethnic Minorities and the Regional Language was passed in Poland and Kashubian gained the status of a regional language within Poland but Kashubs were not recognized as a distinct group. Following the 2011 Census, the Association of People of Kashubian Nationality, Kaszëbskô Jednota, was created. The Association considers Kashubs to be a nation and is striving to change the Kashub status to that of an ethnic minority. The Kashubian–Pomeranian Association which until now was the only institutional representative of Kashubs does not recognize the Kaszëbskô Jednota aspirations and they consider that Kashubs have a double Polish and Kashubian identity. Both organizations are trying to convince as many people as possible to support their arguments. Meanwhile in Kashubia there are numerous cultural and political movements which influence the Kashubian identity. This article is an analysis of the Kashubian national discourse based on socio-scientific texts and Kaszëbskô Jednota information documents, media sources and interviews with young Kashubs engaged in the movement. This analysis confirms that the Kashubian identity is changing and the discussions underline different perceptions of the role which Kashubs should have in Poland.