ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Wendish question

The Wendish Question refers to the historical and cultural issue of the Sorbs - a minority ethnic group living in eastern Germany - and their desire to maintain their traditions and language. So, imagine you have a group of people who have their own special language and way of doing things, but they live in a place where most people speak a different language and have different customs. This can make them feel like they are not being understood or appreciated, and they might worry that their unique traditions will be lost or forgotten.

In the case of the Sorbs, they have a long history of living in Germany, but they have their own language, customs, and traditions that differ from those of the Germans around them. They are proud of their heritage and want to continue to practice their traditions and speak their language, but they worry that they might be forced to assimilate into German culture and lose their identity.

The Wendish Question arose in the 19th century when German authorities tried to suppress the Sorbs' language and culture in an effort to get them to assimilate. The Sorbs fought back by forming cultural organizations and publishing newspapers and books in their language. They also demanded that their language and culture be recognized and protected by local and national governments.

Today, the Sorbs are still fighting to maintain their cultural identity and language, but they have made progress in recent years. Their language is now recognized as an official minority language in some parts of Germany, and there are efforts to promote Sorb culture and history through education and tourism. So, in short, the Wendish Question is about a group of people who want to preserve their language and culture in the face of assimilation and cultural suppression.