Dedicated to all future generations,
may the Transylvanian-Saxon cultural heritage remain alive in their hands.
Transylvanian Saxons - A Portrait.
Generative Artificial Intelligence connects
Transylvanian Saxon Cultural Heritage: Opportunities and threats for
its appropriation, preservation and further development
With this multilingual and
multimedia book and internet project,
our goal is to connect not only all Transylvanian Saxons, but also everyone
interested in Transylvania and the Transylvanian-Saxon cultural heritage. The project is designed to serve as both an analog and
digital “business card” for Transylvanian Saxons and their institutions
worldwide.
Beyond its multimedia presentation, a key distinguishing feature is
its
multilingual approach, the publication will be available in three
languages: German, as the community’s original language;
English, for international accessibility; and
Romanian, to foster regional
cooperation.
The following specific goals will be pursued:
- The first section, "Transylvanian Saxons – Origins
and Growth of a Traditional Community", explores the
settlement history of
the Transylvanian Saxons and Transylvanian Landlers
in the region. It provides a historical overview from the first
waves of migration in the 12th century to the large-scale
exodus at the end of the 20th century. This section
examines the historical community formation of the
Transylvanian Saxons, discussing the following community- and
identity-building institutions: the Andreanum and the
Transylvanian Saxon University, customs and neighborhoods,
associations and foundations, church and faith, language and schools. This
is followed by an analysis of the causes and
motives that led to the dissolution and
exodus of this community from Transylvania. Furthermore, the
integration into the most important new settlement
areas is illustrated.
- The second part is dedicated to Transylvanian-Saxon
cultural heritage. It first examines the tangible
and then the intangible cultural assets ("invisible
baggage"). The diverse dimensions of the Transylvanian-Saxon community, its
culture, and its identity are highlighted, offering insights into the community’s
traditions, identity, and cultural dimensions that have shaped its
legacy.
- The third section, "Assessing the Current Situation and
Future Perspectives," examines the state of the community in the
21st century. It first outlines the current
organizational structures within associations, foundations, and
neighborhoods. This section then explores future challenges
and
opportunities
in preserving and adapting Transylvanian Saxon
cultural heritage, particularly in the evolving landscape of
generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
Here is the preliminary table of contents:
-
Introduction to Transylvanian Saxons:
Settlement in Transylvania,
Migration from Transylvania, Shaping the Future in
the new locations
I. Transylvanian Saxons
–
Origins
and Growth of a Traditional Community
-
Maintaining independence despite changing
national affiliations.
An overview of a nearly 900-year history
-
Transylvanian Landlers
-
Significance of the Andreanum and the Transylvanian Saxon University for the
community building of the Transylvanian Saxons
-
From the cradle to the grave – How customs and neighborhoods
shaped community life
-
Associations as Drivers of New Forms of Participation Since the 19th Century
-
Faith and Community: Religion as Integration Force Among
Transylvanian Saxons
-
Cultural Foundations of the Transylvanian Saxons: Language and
Education
- Resettlement of Transylvanian Saxons from Transylvania to
Germany: Causes, motives and paths to integration
- Migration from Transylvania to the USA
- Migration from Transylvania to Canada
-
Relocation
from Transylvania and integration in Austria
- Deportation to the Soviet Union
- Persecution in Communist Romania
II. The Material and Immaterial Cultural
Heritage of the Transylvanian Saxons
-
Architecture and architects
-
Fortified churches of the Transylvanian Saxons
-
Economic achievements
-
Science and Technology
-
Transylvanian Art and Artists, then and now
-
Music in Transylvania and Transylvanian-Saxon musicians
-
Transylvanian-German literature and theatre
-
The dialect of the Transylvanian Saxons
-
Poetry in the mother tongue (dialect poetry)
-
Transylvanian Saxon identity
-
Transylvanian-Saxon coats of arms and logos
III.
Assessing the Current Situation and Future Perspectives
-
The organizational structure of the Transylvanian-Saxon community today: associations, foundations,
and neighborhoods
-
Philosophy of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).
Theoretical limitations and possibilities, practical
opportunities and threats
- Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) connects Transylvanian Saxon
cultural heritage. Opportunities and threats for the appropriation,
preservation, and further development of Transylvanian Saxon cultural
heritage in the age of GenAI
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