italban

Italban is a term that appears only sporadically in contemporary sources and is not widely established in scholarly use. In most writings the related and more precise designation Italo-Albanian refers to communities, cultures, and languages resulting from historical contact between Italian and Albanian populations. The best-known instance of this phenomenon is the Italo-Albanian (Arbëresh) communities in southern Italy and Sicily, historically referred to as Arbëreshë.

Historical background and geography

Beginning in the 15th century, Albanian refugees fled Ottoman advances and settled in various regions of southern Italy and the island of Sicily. They established distinct, long-lasting communities that maintained Albanian language and cultural practices while integrating into Italian society. Core Arbëresh settlements include San Demetrio Corone, Contessa Entellina, Piana degli Albanesi, Frascineto, Civita, Santa Sofia d’Epiro, and Carfizzi, among others. These communities are predominantly Catholic and historically aligned with the Italo-Albanian Greek Catholic Church, which follows the Byzantine rite within a Catholic framework.

Language and culture

The Arbëreshë speak a dialect of Albanian traditionally based on the Tosk variety, preserved across generations in family, church, and community life. While Italian is dominant in education and public life, Albanian language and customs continue in religious ceremonies, folklore, music, and traditional costumes. Cultural preservation efforts are carried out by associations, schools, and diaspora networks aiming to sustain bilingual transmission and heritage.

Current status

Today, Italo-Albanian communities are recognized as a distinct cultural and linguistic minority in Italy. The Arbëresh language is considered endangered, with ongoing efforts to document and teach it to younger generations. The term Italban remains informal; Italo-Albanian is the preferred designation for scholarly and cultural contexts.

See also

Arbëreshë, Italo-Albanian Greek Catholic Church, Albanian diaspora.