What language is used in Sicily
Many tourists ask us about what language is used in Sicily and how dialects differ to those found on mainland Italy.
The Sicilian language
The Sicilian language is historically considered the most important testimony to all acts and events which have taken place on these islands. It is a combination of Latin, antique Greek, Arabic, Spanish, French and much more.
Each civilization that has passed through has added new terminology and expressions, often to introduce new ingredients and objects.
It is thus how Arabic words such as cassata, caponata and zagara were introduced; or from French, we have cirasa (cherry), or racina (grape). Together, each has participated in constructing the Sicilian language.
The many grammatical rules and words which derive from the languages imported by the various peoples differ to the Italian rules and vocabulary. It can be almost impossible for a visitor to follow the conversation of Sicilians speaking amongst themselves.
From city to city dialect, pronunciation and even some vocabulary is noticeably different although it is true to say that today, we have lost much of the traditional and antique terminology and so the language has been thus simplified and more in line with Italian.
To make the Sicilian language more accessible, it has been used in various films and TV series such as Montalbano. The famous writer, Camilleri, also for example used a language deriving from local dialects which are not necessarily used on a daily basis but still making it comprehensible also to non-natives.
How we use it
As visitors, do not worry! Italian is spoken in all of Sicily and many – particularly the young – also speak other languages. It is rare to meet Sicilians who are not able to communicate in the Italian language.
In general, we use dialect in informal situations: at home or with friends. It might also be used when making purchases or in an office environment but only if the person with whom you are communicating is using the same.
You might very well find yourself overhearing a conversation between two people, one using dialect and the other Italian but this is considered impolite and certainly not adopted in a formal environment.
Sicilian dialect is not taught in our schools but we use it in our every day life and it is more common in rural areas compared to larger towns and cities.
Whether it be intentional or not, we are all guilty of using Sicilian terms as some phrases for instance are impossible to translate into Italian.
Some incomprehensible sentences…
Va’ accatta na buatta r’alivi a putia
Sbarazza sta taula accussì assistimamu
Mischinu, si sciarriau cu so mugghieri!
Arrimina u broru na pignata
