Sicilian: Language or Dialect of Italian?

November 3, 2024 In Latin: November 3rd, in the month of November, MCMXXIV

By Linguist: James A Jaramillo Du Bray

Recently, the question of whether Sicilian is considered an independent language or a distinct dialect of Italian has sparked some debate among linguists. This article delves into the complexities of Sicilian language classification and provides insights from linguistic and socio-linguistic perspectives.

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Linguistic Perspective: Sicilian as an Independent Language

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From a linguistic standpoint, Sicilian is classified as an independent language that evolved directly from Latin and is not derived from Italian. This classification is influenced by the historical and cultural influences that shaped Sicilian. The language has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, which set it apart from other Italian dialects.

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The evolution of Sicilian can be traced back to the time when Sicily was governed by various different cultures, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Germans, and Byzantines. These diverse cultures contributed to the linguistic landscape of Sicily, making it a rich tapestry of influences and a separate entity from standard Italian.

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Socio-Linguistic Perspective: Sicilian as a Dialect

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From a socio-linguistic viewpoint, Sicilian is often regarded as a dialect. This is because it lacks formal recognition and standardization, which are crucial for broad acceptance and usage in media, education, and formal settings. Furthermore, Sicilian does not have an officially recognized standard variant, nor is it an official language in Italy.

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It's important to note that Italians often refer to Sicilian as a family of vernaculars spoken in the region of Sicily. In a broader context, Sicilian is part of the wider group of vernaculars with similar characteristics spoken in most of Calabria and Southern Apulia, collectively known as 'Extreme Southern'. This group of vernaculars shares the same linguistic features, contributing to the regional linguistic diversity in Southern Italy.

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Recognition and Classification

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While Sicilian shares some similarities with standard Italian, mainly in terms of vocabulary, it is sufficiently different to be classified as a separate language. The distinction between dialect and language can be somewhat subjective and influenced by cultural and political factors. Many linguists recognize Sicilian as a distinct language with its own unique characteristics and history.

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It's noteworthy that Italians refer to Sicilian as a part of the Sicilian family of vernaculars. This terminology emphasizes the uniqueness of Sicilian within the broader context of regional vernaculars. The official recognition of Sicilian as a separate language by the Italian government has been a topic of debate and discussion. Nevertheless, Sicilian continues to retain its distinct identity and cultural richness.

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Conclusion

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In conclusion, while Sicilian is officially recognized as a dialect by the Italian government, many linguists argue that it should be recognized as an independent language. The evolution of Sicilian, influenced by various historical and cultural factors, has led to the development of a distinct linguistic identity that sets it apart from standard Italian. Understanding the complexities of Sicilian language classification is crucial for appreciating the cultural and linguistic heritage of Sicily.