Minority v subsytéme kultúry

creation of the Silesian work ethic can be pinpointed to the onset of industrialisation in Upper Silesia. It was then that the menbegan work in large companies, mainly coal mines, steel mills, etc. This created the aforementioned attitudes towards workwhich represented the Silesians and the Silesian work ethic. Work began to organise the life of the employees, who then adaptedto the rhythm of the changes that extended from the workplace and into the community. New settlements formed aroundthese new industrial plants. As well as a place to reside, the workers enjoyed a range of social benefits in the form of grants forholidays, camps for children, etc. Grand celebrations were organized around patron saints, particularly St. Barbara (the patronsaint of miners – December 4) and St. Florian (the patron saint of steelworkers – May 4.) These celebrations were accompaniedby feasts celebrating the so-called beer "BARBORKA" and participation in mass by miners. The strengthening of the Silesian workethic was influenced by several factors: there was a strong German influence in the period when Silesia was still part of Germany,in particular, the influence of the Protestant work ethic which created a set of attitudes towards work and wealth and led toa change in the social structure". After joining Poland, Upper Silesia was characterised by specific social structure, which seriouslyencouraged appreciation of the Silesian work ethic and the perception of it by the people of the rest of the country."(U. Swadźba, 2001, p. 64).The performance of work was not only of economic character, but also the effect it had on the functioning of families andcommunities. It became the norm for professions to be passed down from father to son. "The career was influenced by externalfactors such as ideology and co-operation patterns, but also by internal factors such as family. This influence can be seen inpassing down the profession and in social position or at least inheriting work values. The Silesian community was workingcollectively in which work was passed down generations." (U. Swadźba, 2001, p. 99). Respect for work was associated withthoroughness and honesty. It was a result of dangerous work in industry (especially in the coal mines)where work needed to bedone diligently and honestly. Lack of diligence could result in ill health or even loss of life by the employee and also by the wholeworking team. Therefore work and its ethos became an essential factor in the process of creating Silesianess.Those are three of the most significant factors that influenced the specific culture of Silesia. Some of them might be losingtheir significance because of many social changes and while the others might have also changed, for native Silesians they arestill an important determiner in their lives. This analysis of the Silesian values in their everyday life is important due to the factthat nowadays we can see an increasing number of people who declare Silesian nationality. "For Silesians, both history andmemories are particularly important in strenthening the relationship between national identification and the past. Also the historyof the region and its administrative specifics in the period between wars is a framework for development of Silesian identity.Strong regional tradition plays a prominent role in building the system of norms and values, based on its customs and specificlanguage." (E. A. Sekula, 2012, p. 9). This special Silesian dialect and cultural customs characterise inhabitants of Upper Silesia.The Silesian dialect is very specific, it distinguishes Silesians from non-Silesians. It is a value that is passed down from generationto generation and is a source of pride.SummationSo what does it mean to be a Silesian? Is it just a matter of place of birth? Or maybe Silesianess is decided by the fact thatsomebody lives in Silesia (even if they were not born there)? Being Silesian is determined a few factors, but the most importantis their self-declaration of being Silesian. It is also a sense of separation, but first of all it is identification with Silesia. Regardlessof whether you can officially declare (including personal documents) Silesian nationality or not, Silesians will feel individuality.It is a particular individuality based on history, culture and strength, in spite of the fact that some people might not like it.142