The language question in Italy

Hello Friend,

As I have mentioned before, I’ve asked everyone to send me any questions they may have about visiting Italy or anything they are curious to know about the culture.

This week, I’m continuing to share some of the most interesting questions and my responses with you.

If you have any questions, please drop me a line at mail to: sicilyinsideandout@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

I saw your blog and have a question about language.

My boyfriend and I live in NYC. He is Sicilian. He may be starting a part-time position in Palermo. I may be there part-time with him.

I thought it’d be good to learn Sicilian so I could have a better connection with his family in a small village in Trapani and with local people.

He prefers that I learn Italian rather than Sicilian. Part of that may be due to him having a PhD and socialising with more affluent Italians here. 

Can you offer guidance?

Thank you!

Thanks for your email and for your great question about languages in Sicily.

Most people here in Sicily speak Italian, so it’ll be worthwhile to concentrate on this before tackling Sicilian.

I’ve been living here for nearly 20 years, and it isn’t easy to pick up the dialect because it varies from place to place. The dialect in Trapani is very different from those spoken in the province of Messina or Catania. I imagine the Palermo dialect would influence it.

I’m convinced that to speak a dialect well, you’d have to be born here or brought up speaking and hearing it regularly.

Most people speak standard Italian (the Tuscan dialect), younger people don’t even know the older Sicilian dialect, and most people choose to use and speak Italian. Usually, older people speak it, perhaps within small family groups or communities. And even if it is used, it will be mixed in with Italian anyway.

There are plenty of Italian schools online that can offer you basic introductions to Sicilian. But as I said before, there are variations between each province, so it depends on how different the dialect is in Trapani.

If you have a decent level of Italian, you can always ask the locals for specific phrases or words they use in their dialect. If your boyfriend’s family is friendly, they’d happily teach you a few words. 

The best thing you can hope for is to pick up some words and phrases from the local dialect while you are here, depending on how good your ear for languages is or how exotic the local dialect’s accent and pronunciation are. It’s always an excellent way to start a conversation when shopping at the markets or grabbing a coffee at your local bar.

Sicilian is a very complex dialect with Arab, French, Spanish, Latin and Germanic influences. 

I recently wrote a short post about Dialects in Italy in my newsletter if you want to read a little more.

I hope this helps.

Don’t hesitate to send me any more questions.

Good luck with everything. I’m sure you’ll love Palermo; it’s a great city with so much history and a bohemian atmosphere.

Regards 

Rochelle

A little more about Dialects in Italy

Italy is renowned for its linguistic diversity, with many regional dialects and languages coexisting alongside the standardised form of Italian. The language question in Italy is a complex and multifaceted issue shaped by centuries of historical, cultural, and political factors. 

Let’s take a brief look into the fascinating world of Italian dialects, exploring their classification, history, differences from standard Italian, and relevance in contemporary society. 

Have a quick at the example of the Sicilian dialect, examining its unique characteristics, cultural significance. Is it really worth learning the local variation of language for those visiting or moving to Sicily.

Understanding Italian Dialects

Italian dialects are regional varieties of the Italian language that have evolved over centuries in different parts of the country. These dialects are characterised by unique phonological, lexical, and grammatical features, reflecting the diverse linguistic heritage of Italy. 

While standard Italian, based on the Tuscan dialect, serves as the official language of Italy, dialects continue to play a vital role in everyday communication, cultural expression, and regional identity.

Classification of Italian Dialects

Italian dialects are classified into several linguistic groups, each with distinct characteristics and geographical distribution. These groups include Northern Italian dialects, Central Italian dialects, Southern Italian dialects, and Insular Italian dialects. Within each group, there are further subdivisions and variations, reflecting the linguistic diversity of Italy’s regions and provinces.

History of Italian Dialects

The history of Italian dialects dates back to ancient times, with regional variations of Latin spoken throughout the Italian peninsula. Over the centuries, these Latin dialects evolved independently, influenced by contact with neighbouring languages, invaders, and settlers. 

The emergence of standardised Italian in the Renaissance era, thanks to the works of Dante Alighieri and other literary figures, led to the codification of a national language. At the same time, dialects continued to thrive in local communities.

Differences from Standard Italian

Italian dialects differ from standard Italian in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, making them distinct linguistic entities with their own rules and conventions. While standard Italian is based on the Tuscan dialect, dialects such as Sicilian, Neapolitan, and Venetian have unique linguistic features, phonological systems, and lexical items that set them apart from the national language.

Significance of Dialects in Modern Society

Despite the prevalence of standard Italian in education, media, and official communication, dialects remain an integral part of Italian culture and identity. 

Dialects are used in informal settings, everyday conversations, and cultural expressions, serving as a means of preserving regional heritage and fostering a sense of belonging among local communities. 

While the influence of globalisation and mass media has led to some degree of language standardisation, dialects continue to thrive in local contexts and play a crucial role in shaping Italy’s linguistic landscape.

The Sicilian Dialect

Sicilian is one of the most prominent and widely spoken dialects in Italy, with a rich linguistic heritage and cultural significance. Derived from Latin and influenced by Greek, Arabic, Norman, and other languages, Sicilian is known for its melodic intonation, poetic expressions, and distinctive vocabulary. 

While standard Italian is used in formal settings and education, Sicilian remains the primary language of everyday communication among Sicilians, especially in rural areas and small towns.

Learning Sicilian: Is it Worth it?

For those visiting or moving to Sicily, learning Sicilian can offer valuable insights into the island’s culture, history, and way of life. While standard Italian is widely understood and used in urban centres and tourist areas, speaking Sicilian can help forge deeper connections with locals, gain access to authentic cultural experiences, and enhance your overall experience in Sicily. 

Whether it’s conversing with locals at a traditional market, deciphering street signs in rural villages, or enjoying Sicilian literature and poetry, learning Sicilian can enrich your understanding of Sicilian culture and foster meaningful connections with the community.

Italian dialects are a testament to Italy’s linguistic diversity and cultural richness, reflecting centuries of history, migration, and cultural exchange. While standard Italian serves as the national language of Italy, dialects continue to thrive as vibrant expressions of regional identity and heritage.

For those visiting or moving to Sicily, learning Sicilian can offer a deeper appreciation of the island’s culture and traditions, as well as provide opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals. 

Whether spoken in the bustling streets of Palermo or the tranquil villages of the countryside, Sicilian is a language of warmth, hospitality, and authenticity, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Sicilian life and culture.

Ultimately, you don’t need the stress or difficulty of learning a dialect; these days, most people will speak a mixture of standard Italian and a smattering of dialect.

Local dialects are like everyday slang people have picked up from their family and community. Most people are taught Italian at school and at most would speak a small amount of dialect with their particular towns accent.

Any conversation with people outside the scope of knowledge of a particular dialect will usually be undertaken with standard Italian. And, if you are a foreigner, any discussion with you will be in Italian or broken English.

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Please note some of this article’s titles have been generated using AI, specifically ChatGPT, but everything has been extensively written, redrafted and crafted by Rochelle Del Borrello, author of this blog.