Resources to Learn The Sicilian Language

The Sicilian language differs from Italian. The Sicilian language is still widely spoken in Sicily although when meeting people for the first time or if doing business most Sicilians will speak Italian. Over the years the Sicilian language has been gradually replaced by Italian, and it is Italian that is taught in schools. Most towns and provinces in Sicily will have their own variations on the Sicilian language and there are a large number of Sicilian dialects in existence. People living overseas that are in their 50s or older often speak the Sicilian that they spoke when they were children back in Sicily, and this is the language that they have taught to their children. I much prefer hearing spoken Sicilian than Italian as I feel it reflects the character of the island, and i think it is important to keep the Sicilian language alive.

If you are visiting Sicily then an understanding of Italian should be enough for you to get by.

I learnt the Sicilian language from my husband and his family around 40 years ago. The Sicilian language books would be useful for you if you want to discover more about Sicily.

If you are just going on holiday however, and want to enrich your experience, some basic Italian would probably help. Therefore I have also added links to Italian language books.