Sicilian

Sicilian is an adjective and a noun that denotes things related to Sicily, its people, language, and culture. The term encompasses the inhabitants, known as Sicilians, and a long-standing linguistic and cultural tradition that has developed on the island.

The Sicilian language, or Sicilianu, is a Romance language in the Italo-Dalmatian subgroup. It evolved from Latin with substantial influences from Greek, Arabic, Norman-French, and other languages that have occupied or traded with the island. It features a number of regional dialects and, while many speakers are bilingual in Italian, its use varies by context and generation. Some linguists classify Sicilian as a separate language; others treat it as a distinct dialect of Italian. Historically, the Sicilian School of poets in the 13th century helped shape early literary traditions that influenced standard Italian, though they did not replace Sicilian in everyday use. Modern writing often switches to Italian, especially in formal settings.

Sicilian culture is shaped by its geography at the crossroads of Europe, with a long history of Greek, Roman, Norman, Arab, and Spanish influences. Traditional crafts, music, and festivals reflect these layers, and the island has a robust diaspora in the Americas and Australia.

Sicilian cuisine blends Mediterranean ingredients with local farming and seafood traditions; notable dishes include arancini, cannoli, caponata, pasta con le sarde, and other regional specialties, reflecting the island’s history and trade connections.