Ladinspeaking

Ladinspeaking refers to the use of the Ladin language in communication. Ladin is a Romance language spoken in the Dolomites in northern Italy by communities traditionally called Ladins.

Most Ladinspeaking communities are located in the Dolomites across the provinces of Bolzano-Bozen and Belluno, in valleys such as Gardena (Gherdëina), Badia (Badië), Fascia (Fascia) and Livinallongo (Fodom). The language comprises several closely related dialects, notably Dolomitic Ladin varieties, with varying degrees of mutual intelligibility.

It belongs to the Rhaeto-Romance branch of Romance languages, has a Latin-based writing system with diacritics, and exhibits features distinguishing it from neighboring Italian and Germanic languages. There have been efforts to standardize a written form for education and media, while dialectal variation remains strong in everyday speech.

Ladin is recognized as a minority language in Italy and benefits from regional protections in South Tyrol, including bilingual signage and support for education and cultural initiatives. Ladinspeaking is often tied to cultural identity and community life, including festivals, media, and local governance.

Outside Italy, Ladin-speaking communities are smaller, with diaspora groups in neighboring regions; digital resources and online media have expanded access to Ladin for learners and speakers.