Dialect, Contact Phenomena or Hungarian Propaganda? Data and Interpretations of the Eastern Slovak (Slovjak) Ethnic Region

The possibilities of interpretation of the eastern Slovak (Slovjak) population can be traced out in the triangle of dialect, denomination, and regional identity. The nationalities (Slovaks, Ruthenians, Germans and Hungarians) living in Šariš, have double or multiple identities, they use two or more languages and, as regards their use of mother tongue and other languages, they have a varying linguistic identity. As proof of that, a special local Šariš identity has gained ground among the local elite of the Šariš County, based on local roots and relations, which also had an impact on the two Slavic nationalities living along the blurred Slovak and Ruthenian language border. The Slovjaks can be seen as a form of contact phenomena, as in Šariš, four nationalities and five religions mixed together, or lived side by side. Naturally, apart from the locals, both the Hungarian county and national governments had been interested in the strengthened and developing Slovjak identity, which was differing from the Slovak one.

Gábor Sztancs            81`246.3

Dialect, Contact Phenomena or Hungarian Propaganda?            316.347(437.6)

Data and Interpretations of the Eastern Slovak (Slovjak) Ethnic Region           323.174(437.6)

Keywords: Sáros (Šariš) County, Slovjak, censuses, regional identity, Rusyn–Slovak language border