Arbërish

Arbërish refers to the Arbëreshë linguistic and ethnolinguistic heritage in Italy, particularly the Albanian-speaking communities descended from migrations that began in the medieval period. In Albanian usage, the language spoken by these communities is called Arbërisht. The term Arbërish thus encompasses both the people and the distinctive variety of Albanian they maintain outside the Balkans.

Origins and linguistic features. The Arbëreshë trace their roots to Albanian communities that settled in southern Italy from the 15th century onward, as refugees or settlers during periods of conflict in their homeland. Arbërisht is a form of Albanian belonging to the Tosk branch, retaining some archaisms found in early Albanian while incorporating loanwords from Italian and other languages encountered in their Italian environments. The variety is written with Latin script, and efforts have been made to standardize orthography and promote bilingual literacy.

Geography and culture. Arbërish-speaking communities are concentrated mainly in southern Italy, with notable settlements in Calabria and Sicily. Examples include towns such as Contessa Entellina, Santa Sofia d’Epiro, and Santa Cristina Gela in Calabria, and Piana degli Albanesi in Sicily. These communities preserve distinct religious traditions, music, cuisine, and customs, often conducted in Arbërisht alongside Italian.

Status and preservation. Arbërish is considered endangered in many communities due to language shift toward Italian and assimilation pressures. Cultural associations, academic programs, and local schools undertake documentation, revitalization efforts, and bilingual education to preserve the language and Arbëreshë heritage for future generations.