Addressing Linguistic and Territorial Aspects of National Identity Through Short Documentaries: The Case of The German Minority in Upper Silesia

Abstract

The article is focused on the intersection of documentary filmmaking and minority identities, specifically addressing the case of the German minority in Upper Silesia (Poland). The scientific goal is to analyse how the multilayered national identity of members of that group is discussed in the short documentaries broadcast within the television programme “Schlesien Journal”. This is addressed through two detailed angles concerning language and geographical space, as both are related to the key identity features characterising that group. Based on a mixed-method approach consisting of semi-structured in-depth interviews and audiovisual content analysis, the article argues that, in relation to language, German is clearly prioritised in the short documentaries as a central identity marker, despite the minority’s plurilingual profile characterised by the strong parallel presence of Silesian and Polish. Territory-wise, the local embeddedness is highlighted alongside the global connections of the region, thus suggesting a more cosmopolitan identity profile.