18. The languages and dialects of Italy

Abstract

This chapter provides a critical overview of the sociolinguistic situation in Italy focusing on the relationships between the standard language and the many Italo-Romance varieties that contribute to the linguistic landscape. Following discussion of terminology, recent developments concerning the status, spread and vitality of the dialects are examined using a variety of quantitative and qualitative data. This method highlights how in many regions the use of traditional Italo-Romance dialects has strongly decreased at the same time as dialects have remarkably improved their position as far as attitudes and representations are concerned. Dialect has a particular use in the new domains of digital communication. Using Auer’s Cone model and referencing different diglottic relationships, types of linguistic repertoires existing in present day Italy are also illustrated. Certain contact phenomena between Italian and dialects are also explored. Finally, a tentative evaluation of the endangerment/vitality degree of some dialects is sketched out.

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