The word "Gottschee" is a bit tricky to spell, but it can be broken down to simplify it. The correct spelling is G-o-t-t-s-c-h-e-e. The word is pronounced [gahch-ee] in IPA phonetic transcription. The "G" at the beginning is pronounced like a hard "G" sound, while the "tt" and "sch" create a pronounced "ch" sound. Finally, the "ee" at the end is pronounced like the letter "e." With this understanding, the spelling of "Gottschee" should be a bit easier to remember.
Gottschee refers to a historical region located in present-day Slovenia, specifically in the southern part of the country. The term is used to describe an area that was settled by German-speaking communities in the late Middle Ages. It is also used to refer to the unique culture, language, and customs that evolved within this region.
The word "Gottschee" is derived from the Slovenian name "Kočevsko," which refers to the municipality where this region is located. It was primarily inhabited by the Gottschee Germans, an ethnic group that immigrated to the area from various regions in Central Europe, particularly from regions in present-day Austria. The settlement of these German-speaking communities in Gottschee occurred during the 14th and 15th centuries.
The Gottschee region had its own distinct dialect known as Gottscheerish or Gottscheerisch, which was a West Central German dialect unique to this area. This dialect was influenced by the surrounding Slovenian language and had distinct characteristics that set it apart from other German dialects. Over the centuries, the people of Gottschee developed their own cultural traditions, including folk music, dance, and clothing styles.
However, following World War II, the German-speaking population of the Gottschee region was displaced due to geopolitical changes and forced migration. Today, the Gottschee region is predominantly Slovenian-speaking, and the German-speaking communities and culture have significantly diminished. Nevertheless, the term "Gottschee" continues to be used to signify the historical significance and cultural heritage of this unique region and its people.
The word "Gottschee" has its origin in the German name for the region of Kočevje/Kocevsko in present-day Slovenia. The term "Gottschee" is derived from the Middle High German word "Gotz" or "Gotze", which translates to "godfather" or "godparent" in English. This Germanic name was used to refer to the region because it historically had a significant German-speaking population. However, it is important to note that the region's original Slavic name, Kočevje/Kocevsko, is widely used today.