The Romani people in Poland (Polish: Romowie w Polsce), also known as the Roma, qualify as an ethnic minority group in Poland of Indo-Aryan origins.[1] The Council of Europe regards the endonym "Roma" more appropriate when referencing the people, and "Romani" when referencing cultural characteristics.[2] The term Cyganie is considered an exonym in Poland.[3]
The recorded history of the Romani people in Poland dates to the 15th century. As per historical linguistic evidence, the Roma likely arrived in present-day Poland between 1400 and 1500.[5] Further evidence exhibits the Roma's persecution during the Holocaust,[6] and subsequent alienation during the communist era in Poland.[7] The post-communist era brought about societal and economic developments for the Roma.[8] The Romani language is composed of several dialects, influenced by Slavic languages.[9] Rituals followed, such as the "Romani Caravan of Memory", pertain to the Roma's history in Poland.[10] There is also a significant local adherence to a culturally influenced Roman Catholicism.[11]
Compiled evidence shows that the Roma experience difficulties and successes in acquiring quality housing in Poland.[12] Roma children are also reported to be enrolled in school, with some requiring ‘special-needs’ assistance.[13] Roma continue to experience tensions such as high unemployment rates,[12] forced evictions, violence and societal ostracisation.[12]
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^Matras, Yaron (2020). The Palgrave Handbook of Romani Language and Linguistics. London: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 261–301.
^Tebbutt, Susan (2004). The Role of the Romanies: Images and Counter-images of "Gypsies"/Romanies in European Cultures. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press. pp. 208–225.