Young Prenzlauer becomes the first of Brandenburg's first ambassador for Low German!

Young Prenzlauer becomes the first of Brandenburg's first ambassador for Low German!

Prenzlau, Deutschland - In a solemn ceremony in the town hall of Prenzlau, Brandenburg's first Low German-Ambassador , Neele Hübner. The 21-year-old Prenzlauer will take responsibility for the maintenance of the Low German language, also known as Low German, and the culture in the country. Cultural state secretary Thomas Dünow symbolically handed over the certificate of appointment and emphasized the great importance of this role for the region and beyond.

The office of ambassador, which is carried out on a voluntary basis and is limited to five years, also contains tasks such as promoting contact with other Low German regions such as the Prignitz and the Fläming. In addition, Hübner Brandenburg is represented in the Federal Council for the Low German language. Ute Eisenack, deputy chair of the Brandenburg Association for Low German, emphasized the importance of the appointment for the future of Low German, which is the only protected regional language in Germany and is spoken in eight federal states.

roots in the language

Neele Hübner has already developed her passion for the Low German language in her childhood. She learned Low German from her grandfather and primary school. In addition, she attended lectures on the Low German language at the University of Greifswald. Their connection to language and culture is also evident in their active participation in Low German competitions and in the development of the Harry Potter tag "Plattdütsch in de Töwerschool". The framework of their appointment corresponds to a special occasion: the 150th birthday of the writer Max Lindow, a prominent representative of Low German language culture.

Brandenburg is characterized by its historical roots in the Low German language area, and the protection and the maintenance of this language were included in the Brandenburg constitution in 2022. Previously, the state parliament had passed the first Low German Act of Germany in 2024, which set further measures to maintain and promote language and culture.

challenges and developments

The development and preservation of Low German are not only regionally, but also internationally important. The Association of Low German Language and Literature (VNDS) deals with the challenges resulting from regional multilingualism and language contact in northern Germany. This association promotes linguistic and cultural identity and treats relevant aspects of variation linguistics, sociolinguistics and language policy.

An annual annual conference of the VNDS offers an important forum for the exchange of knowledge, which has brought together scientists from all over Europe since 1875. New research results and projects are presented here that encourage the Low German language and literature for discussion. With over 400 members you support language cultural care and academic examination of the diverse manifestations of Low German.

In order to further promote the development of the Low German language, it is important that young people like Neele Hübner are at the top. It brings a breath of fresh air and a deep sense of tradition in a future that is of crucial importance for the language. Their appointment is not only a sign of appreciation for the Low German language, but also a step in the right direction to preserve and pass on this important cultural achievement.