What is Sicilian and Why Does It Matter?
Sicilian is a distinct Romance language, not an Italian dialect, recognised by UNESCO as a minority language with over 5 million speakers worldwide. Is Sicilian a Language or Dialect? The Ultimate Guide to Sicilian Words explores this fascinating language that reflects centuries of Mediterranean cultural fusion. Moreover, Sicilian preserves linguistic elements from Greek, Latin, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Germanic languages that have disappeared from modern Italian. Consequently, understanding Sicilian words provides invaluable insights into Sicily's 3,000-year history of conquest, trade, and cultural exchange.
About the Author: A Native Italian Teacher's Perspective
Ciao! I'm Amedea, an Italian native language teacher from Turin based in Manchester. I have the pleasure of teaching lots of students whose parents and grandparents came from Sicily. Discussing the differences between Italian and Sicilian words is always a good topic for one of my Italian language lessons. Through my teaching experience, I've seen firsthand how learning about Sicilian vocabulary helps some students reconnect with their Sicilian heritage and understand the rich linguistic diversity within Italy. Moreover, exploring these linguistic differences bridges generations and keeps cultural traditions alive in communities with Sicilian Heritage. I'm a linguist who speaks 5 European languages so I was keen to learn more about Sicily and Sicilian. Please note I don't speak or teach Sicilian. But I wanted to share what I have discovered. I know my students will love lit.
The Historical Origins of Sicilian Language
What Makes Sicilian Different from Italian?
Sicilian differs from Italian in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and historical development—it's a separate Romance language that evolved independently. Sicily's strategic Mediterranean position resulted in remarkable linguistic diversity that distinguishes it from mainland Italian dialects. Additionally, whilst Italian derives primarily from Tuscan Florentine, Sicilian developed from Latin mixed with Greek, Arabic, Norman French, and Spanish influences.
Ancient Influences on Sicilian Vocabulary
Sicilian vocabulary contains words from at least seven major linguistic traditions: Greek, Latin, Arabic, French, Spanish, Germanic, and modern Italian. Each civilisation that occupied Sicily left indelible linguistic traces. Therefore, learning Sicilian words means discovering layers of Mediterranean history embedded in everyday speech.
Greek-Derived Sicilian Words: Ancient Hellenic Heritage
Classical Greek Vocabulary in Modern Sicilian
Greek colonisation of Sicily (8th century BCE) introduced hundreds of words that remain in Sicilian today. The Greek presence lasted nearly 1,000 years, making Hellenic influence foundational to Sicilian vocabulary:
- carusu (Italian: ragazzo – guy), from the Greek "kouros" meaning young man
- cirasa (Italian: ciliegia – cherry) from the Greek "kerasos"
- tàliri (Italian: guardare – to look) from the Greek "ατενίζω" (atenizo)
- cràparu (Italian: caprone – billy goat) from the Greek "κάπρος" (kapros)
- anciova (Italian: acciuga – anchovy) from the Greek "ἐγγραυλίς" (engraulis)
- tùmunu (Italian: tomolo/misura – ancient measurement) from the Greek "τόμος" (tomos)
Similarly, these Greek-origin words demonstrate how ancient colonisation created Sicily's unique linguistic identity.
Latin-Rooted Sicilian Expressions: Roman Foundation
Archaic Latin Forms Preserved in Sicilian
Sicilian preserves archaic Latin vocabulary and grammatical structures that disappeared from standard Italian centuries ago. Whilst Italian evolved from mediaeval Tuscan, Sicilian maintained older Latin forms from the Roman period:
- a st'ùra (Italian: a quest'ora – at this time) from the Latin "ad istam horam"
- prescia (Italian: fretta – hurry) from the Latin "premere" (to press)
- anciùlu (Italian: agnellino – little lamb) from the Latin "agnellus"
- abbùscari (Italian: prendere/trovare – to get/find) from the Latin "buscare"
- accattari (Italian: comprare – to buy) from the Latin "accaptare"
- truvari (Italian: trovare – to find) from the Latin "tropare"
Consequently, studying Sicilian provides linguistic insights into how Latin evolved differently across Mediterranean regions.
Arabic Contributions to Sicilian: The Moorish Legacy
Islamic Period Words Still Used Today
Over 300 Sicilian words derive from Arabic, reflecting the profound influence of Islamic rule (827-1091 CE) on Sicilian culture. Arab occupation introduced advanced agriculture, science, and administrative systems, each leaving linguistic traces:
- mischinu (Italian: poverino – unfortunate person) from the Arabic "miskīn" (poor)
- giara (Italian: recipiente di terracotta per liquidi – jar) from the Arabic "giarrah" (earthen vessel)
- sciarra (Italian: lite – argument) from the Arabic "šarrah" (evil/dispute)
- zabbara (Italian: aloe – aloe plant) from the Arabic "sabbar"
- cassata (Italian: cassata – traditional Sicilian cake) from the Arabic "qas'ah" (bowl)
- gebbia (Italian: vasca per irrigazione – irrigation basin) from the Arabic "gebbia"
- zotta (Italian: frusta – whip) from the Arabic "sawt" (whip)
Furthermore, Arabic influence appears strongest in agricultural, architectural, and culinary terminology, reflecting the Moors' technological contributions.
French-Influenced Sicilian Terms: Norman Impact
How Norman Conquest Shaped Sicilian Vocabulary
The Norman conquest (1061-1091) and subsequent French rule introduced hundreds of French words into Sicilian, particularly in administrative and domestic vocabulary. Norman French became the language of Sicily's ruling class for over 200 years:
- armuaru (Italian: armadio – wardrobe) from the French "armoire"
- racìna (Italian: uva – grapes) from the French "raisin"
- buatta (Italian: barattolo – tin) from the French "boîte" (box)
- giamòrru (Italian: lumaca – snail) from the French "jambon"
- truscia (Italian: fagotto – bundle) from the French "trousse"
- turturìci (Italian: tortellini – small pasta) from the French "tourte"
- burò (Italian: burro – butter) from the French "beurre"
Thus, French vocabulary enriched Sicilian with terms for household items, food preparation, and social customs.
Spanish Vocabulary in Sicilian: Iberian Dominion
Spanish Rule's Lasting Linguistic Impact
Spanish rule over Sicily (1479-1713) introduced over 500 Spanish words that remain essential to modern Sicilian vocabulary. Spanish became Sicily's administrative language for over two centuries, deeply influencing everyday speech:
- curtigghiu (Italian: pettegolezzo – gossip) from the Spanish "cortijo" (courtyard/gossip place)
- pignata (Italian: pentola – saucepan) from the Spanish "piñada"
- jurnàta (Italian: giornata – day) from the Spanish "jornada"
- accanciarisi (Italian: sedersi – to sit down) from the Spanish "cansar" (to tire)
- burgi (Italian: borgo/quartiere – neighbourhood) from the Spanish "burgo"
- ciaramìa (Italian: chiacchierone – chatterbox) from the Spanish "charlar" (to chat)
- arrancari (Italian: arrangiarsi – to manage/get by) from the Spanish "arrancar"
Accordingly, Spanish influence appears throughout social, administrative, and daily life vocabulary in Sicilian.
Germanic Elements in Sicilian: Northern Contributions
Lombard and Frankish Words in Sicilian
Germanic tribes, including Lombards and Franks, contributed approximately 100 words to Sicilian, primarily related to warfare, construction, and social organisation. These northern influences arrived through various mediaeval invasions:
- abbanniari (Italian: gridare – to shout) from the German "bandujan" (to proclaim)
- guastèlla (Italian: pane rotondo – round bread) from the Lombard "wastella" (basket)
- rocca (Italian: fortezza – fortress) from the Germanic "rukka" (distaff/fortress)
- stinnicchiu (Italian: lucertola – lizard) from the Germanic "stankiz"
- zappa (Italian: zappa – hoe) from the Germanic "sappa"
Therefore, Germanic vocabulary reflects mediaeval military and agricultural influences on Sicilian society.
Essential Sicilian Words for Beginners
Most Common Sicilian Phrases and Expressions
For beginners learning Sicilian, these everyday words and phrases provide the foundation for basic conversation.Starting with these practical terms helps learners engage with native speakers:
Greetings and Basic Phrases:
- Comu stai? (Italian: Come stai? – How are you?)
- Bon jornu (Italian: Buongiorno – Good morning)
- Bona sira (Italian: Buonasera – Good evening)
- Grazzii (Italian: Grazie – Thank you)
- Pò èssiri (Italian: Può essere – Maybe/It could be)
Common Action Verbs:
- ammucciari (Italian: nascondere – to hide)
- travagghiari (Italian: lavorare – to work)
- ncantari (Italian: incantare/affascinare – to enchant)
- sgarrari (Italian: sbagliare – to make a mistake)
- pigghiari (Italian: prendere – to take)
Sicilian Food and Culinary Vocabulary
Sicilian cuisine has its own specialised vocabulary reflecting the island's unique gastronomic traditions.Understanding these food-related words enhances cultural appreciation:
- cacocciula (Italian: carciofo – artichoke)
- ficudinnia (Italian: fico d'India – prickly pear)
- scaccia (Italian: focaccia ripiena – stuffed flatbread)
- arancinu/arancina (Italian: supplì/arancino – rice ball)
- sfinciuni (Italian: focaccia – Sicilian pizza)
- sarde a beccafico (Italian: sarde ripiene – stuffed sardines)
- pasta ca nunnata (Italian: pasta con bianchetti – pasta with whitebait)
- còzzula (Italian: testa – head, colloquial)
Similarly, many Sicilian dishes have names untranslatable to Italian, highlighting Sicily's distinct culinary identity.
Sicilian vs Italian: Key Differences Explained
How to Distinguish Sicilian from Standard Italian
Sicilian differs from Italian in five major ways: pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, verb conjugation, and sentence structure. Understanding these differences helps learners avoid confusion and directly answers the question: Is Sicilian a Language or Dialect? The Ultimate Guide to Sicilian Words clarifies that these differences are substantial enough to classify Sicilian as a separate language:
Pronunciation Differences:
- Sicilian drops final vowels (Italian "bella" becomes Sicilian "bedda")
- Double consonants are more pronounced in Sicilian
- The Italian "gli" sound becomes "gghi" in Sicilian
Vocabulary Differences:
- Approximately 40% of Sicilian words have no Italian equivalent
- Many basic words differ completely (Italian "lavoro" = Sicilian "travagghiu")
Grammar Differences:
- Sicilian uses different articles (lu/la instead of il/lo/la)
- Verb conjugations follow different patterns
- Different possessive pronouns and word order
Consequently, learning Italian does not automatically enable Sicilian comprehension, and vice versa.
Why Learning Sicilian Words Matters Today
The Cultural Importance of Linguistic Preservation
Preserving Sicilian language maintains cultural identity, historical memory, and linguistic diversity in an increasingly globalised world. Is Sicilian a Language or Dialect? The Ultimate Guide to Sicilian Words emphasises that each word carries stories of conquests, trade routes, and cultural exchanges spanning millennia.
Moreover, UNESCO classifies Sicilian as a vulnerable language requiring active preservation efforts. With younger generations increasingly speaking only Italian, documenting and teaching Sicilian words becomes urgent. Furthermore, linguistic researchers value Sicilian as a living laboratory for understanding Romance language evolution and Mediterranean cultural history.
How to Learn Sicilian: Practical Resources and Methods
Step-by-Step Guide to Learning Sicilian Words
The most effective approach to learning Sicilian combines immersion, structured study, and native speaker interaction. Follow these proven methods:
Step 1: Master Basic Pronunciation Start by learning Sicilian sound patterns, particularly how vowels and consonants differ from Italian.
Step 2: Build Core Vocabulary Focus on the 100 most common Sicilian words used in daily conversation.
Step 3: Practise with Native Speakers Join online Sicilian language communities or connect with heritage speakers.
Step 4: Study Etymology Understanding word origins helps remember vocabulary and reveals cultural connections.
Step 5: Immerse Through Media Watch Sicilian films, listen to Sicilian music, and read Sicilian literature.
Best Resources for Learning Sicilian Language
Recommended tools for learning Sicilian include specialised apps, academic resources, and community connections:
- Useful Website: Cademia Siciliana official Sicilian language site
- YouTube Channels: Cademia Siciliana
- Academic Resources: Ethnologue Sicilian Language Entry, University of Pennsylvania Romance Languages Department
- Art & Culture Society: Anglo Sicilian Art Society
- Cultural Organisations: Arba Sicula – International Sicilian language and culture organisation
Additionally, connecting with Sicilian cultural centres in Sicilian communities provides authentic learning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sicilian Words
Is Sicilian a dialect or a separate language?
Sicilian is a distinct Romance language, not an Italian dialect. UNESCO recognises Sicilian as a minority language with its own grammatical structure, vocabulary, and historical development separate from Italian. Ethnologue classifies it as a separate language within the Romance family, and linguistic research confirms it evolved independently from Latin rather than branching from Italian.
How many people speak Sicilian today?
Approximately 5 million people speak Sicilian worldwide. The majority (about 4.7 million) live in Sicily, whilst significant Sicilian-speaking communities exist in the United States (especially New York, New Jersey, and Louisiana), Canada (Toronto and Montreal), Australia (Melbourne and Adelaide), Argentina (Buenos Aires), and Germany. However, the number of fluent speakers is declining as younger generations increasingly speak only Italian.
Can Italian speakers understand Sicilian?
Italian speakers typically understand only 30-40% of spoken Sicilian without prior exposure. Whilst both languages share Latin roots, significant vocabulary differences, unique grammar, and distinct pronunciation make mutual intelligibility limited. Written Sicilian is somewhat more accessible to Italian readers than spoken Sicilian is to Italian listeners. Regional variations within Sicily further complicate comprehension.
What is the best way to learn Sicilian words?
The most effective method combines four approaches: daily vocabulary practice, listening to native speakers, studying etymology, and conversing with Sicilian speakers. Specifically, use spaced repetition apps for vocabulary, watch Sicilian films with subtitles, join online Sicilian language communities, and study word origins to understand cultural connections. Consistency matters more than intensity—15 minutes daily yields better results than sporadic longer sessions.
Why does Sicilian have so many foreign words?
Sicily's strategic Mediterranean location made it a crossroads of civilisations for over 3,000 years, with each conquering culture leaving linguistic traces. Greek colonisers (8th century BCE), Romans (3rd century BCE), Byzantine Greeks (6th century CE), Arabs (9th-11th centuries), Normans (11th century), French, Spanish, and other groups all governed Sicily, introducing vocabulary that enriched the language. This multilayered linguistic heritage makes Sicilian uniquely valuable for understanding Mediterranean history.
Are Sicilian words still being created today?
Yes, modern Sicilian continues evolving by incorporating new terms from Italian and English whilst maintaining its distinct character. Contemporary Sicilian speakers create neologisms for modern technology and concepts, often by adapting existing Sicilian patterns. However, language preservation efforts focus on documenting and teaching traditional vocabulary that risks disappearing as older speakers pass away and younger generations shift to Italian.
What are the easiest Sicilian words for English speakers to learn?
English speakers find Sicilian food words, greetings, and cognates easiest to learn initially. Words like "arancinu" (rice ball), "grazzii" (thank you), and "travagghiu" (work) follow predictable pronunciation patterns. Additionally, Sicilian words derived from French, Spanish, or Latin often resemble English cognates, making them memorable. Starting with these accessible words builds confidence before tackling more complex vocabulary.
How is Sicilian written—does it have standardised spelling?
Sicilian has multiple writing systems and no universally accepted standardised orthography. The most common system uses Italian-based spelling with modifications for Sicilian sounds, but regional variations exist. Some writers use phonetic spelling reflecting local pronunciation, whilst others follow more etymological approaches. Academic institutions and cultural organisations are working towards standardisation, but diversity in written Sicilian persists.
Learning Sicilian Words
Is Sicilian a Language or Dialect? The Ultimate Guide to Sicilian Words demonstrates that learning Sicilian connects you to 3,000 years of Mediterranean civilisation. Every Sicilian word tells a story—of Greek philosophers colonising the island, Arab scientists introducing advanced agriculture, Norman knights establishing kingdoms, or Spanish viceroys administering an empire.
Moreover, Is Sicilian a Language or Dialect? The Ultimate Guide to Sicilian Words serves as your gateway to understanding not just a language, but an entire cultural universe. By exploring these words, we honour the resilience and adaptability of Sicilian people whilst ensuring this linguistic heritage survives for future generations.
Ultimately, whether you're researching genealogy, planning to visit Sicily, or simply passionate about languages, learning Sicilian words enriches your understanding of European history and Mediterranean culture. Start your Sicilian learning today by mastering just five words, then build from there. Each word you learn preserves a piece of human history and keeps this beautiful language alive for tomorrow's generations.
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Grazie!