Sicilian language

Super Enalotto sicilianu

Romance-lg-classification-en

Lingua siciliana

Scribes 01 Kingdom of Sicily Petrus de Ebulo

Vowel changes from Latin to Sicilian

Sicilian (Sicilianu or Lingua Siciliana, in Sicilian) is a Romance language spoken on the island of Sicily and its satellite islands. It is also spoken by the Sicilian diaspora in several parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. Sicilian is distinguished by its unique phonology, vocabulary, and syntax from other languages in Italy, including Standard Italian, with which it is not mutually intelligible.

History

The history of the Sicilian language can be traced back to the 8th century BC, with the arrival of Greek settlers on the island. The language has been influenced by a succession of dominating cultures, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Swabians, Aragonese, and Spaniards, before becoming part of the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Each of these cultures has left its mark on the Sicilian vocabulary and phonetics.

Dialects

Sicilian is not a monolithic language but consists of a variety of dialects. These dialects can be broadly categorized into three groups: Eastern Sicilian, Central Sicilian, and Western Sicilian. The differences among these dialects can be significant, affecting pronunciation, vocabulary, and syntax.

Phonology

Sicilian's phonology is notable for its preservation of the Greek and Arabic phonetic influence, including the retention of sounds that have been lost in other Romance languages. This includes the use of the glottal stop, influenced by Arabic, and the preservation of ancient Greek diphthongs.

Grammar

Sicilian grammar shares many features with other Romance languages, including the use of gender (masculine and feminine) and number (singular and plural) for nouns and adjectives, and a similar verb conjugation system. However, it also exhibits unique features, such as the use of the definite article derived from the Latin ipsum rather than ille, which is common in other Romance languages.

Vocabulary

The vocabulary of Sicilian is a rich tapestry that reflects the island's complex history. It includes a significant number of words of Greek, Arabic, Norman, and Spanish origin, among others. This makes Sicilian particularly interesting for linguistic study, as it serves as a living record of the island's past.

Literature

Sicilian has a rich literary tradition that dates back to the Sicilian School of poetry in the 13th century, which was influential in the development of Italian literature. Throughout the centuries, Sicilian has been used in poetry, prose, and theatrical works, contributing significantly to the island's cultural heritage.

Current Status

Today, Sicilian is considered a minority language and is not officially recognized by the Italian government. While it is still widely spoken in Sicily and among the Sicilian diaspora, its use is declining, particularly among younger generations. Efforts are being made to preserve the language through education and cultural initiatives.

See Also

• Languages of Italy
• Romance languages
• Sicilian literature