Corsu

Corsu, or Corsican, is a Romance language spoken on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean, which is part of France. It forms part of the Italo-Dalmatian subgroup and is closely related to Italian varieties, especially Tuscan, while also bearing influences from French due to long political and social contact. Modern Corsu has retained many Latin-based features but has incorporated French loanwords and syntax in everyday use. The language is traditionally spoken within families and local communities, though French dominates education, administration, and much public life, affecting intergenerational transmission.

There are two principal dialect groups, Northern Corsican and Southern Corsican, with transitional varieties in central Corsica. Speakers generally understand each other despite regional differences, and dialects are often described as resembling different Italianate varieties in some areas and more Francophone in others. Corsican uses the Latin alphabet, with diacritics such as è, à, ì, ò, and ù, and has undergone various standardization efforts to facilitate writing, teaching, and media.

In recent decades, revival and promotion efforts have increased Corsu in schools, media, literature, and cultural events. Estimates of fluent speakers vary, with numbers tending to range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand worldwide, the largest concentration on Corsica. The language enjoys regional recognition and support from cultural associations and local authorities, even though its official status within France remains limited. Corsu continues to play a key role in Corsican identity and cultural expression alongside French.