The Wendish Research Exchange - Körner, Eberhard: Friedrich Ehregott Praßer and the Sorbs/Wends

Lětopis Abstract 2011 1: Körner, Eberhard: Friedrich Ehregott Praßer and the Sorbs/Wends

Friedrich Ehregott Praßer (1819-1888), a teacher in Saxon Großröhrsdorf, became known as a local historian and chronicler, in addition to his role as a teacher. The publication of an extensive chronicle of Großröhrsdorf and Pulsnitz, together with the surrounding Upper Lusatian villages, represented the climax of his work as a writer.

In his work as a teacher Praßer was above all concerned to make it possible for gifted, impoverished children to gain a sound school education. Praßer was receptive to modern pedagogical trends; he was influenced above all by the ideas of Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. Here the ‘overall development of the personality’ of the child was the main focus. The teaching of practical manual skills ran alongside the teaching of theory in order to be in line with the economic development of the second half of the nineteenth century.

As a local historian and chronicler Praßer also devoted a detailed chapter in his chronicle to the Sorbs (Wends). Firstly, he described the great cultural achievements of the ethnic minority in its settlement of Upper Lusatia. In his presentation of later periods he also took great care to pay appropriate attention to the history of the Sorbs. One of Praßer’s basic concerns was to show friendship, respect and tolerance towards his neighbours in the region. This fundamental philosophy was particularly notable in this period of growing German nationalism.