mentonists

Mentonists, also known as Mentonese, are a group of people who speak the Mentonese language, a dialect of the Occitan language. They are primarily located in the town of Menton, in the French Riviera, on the border between France and Italy. The Mentonese dialect is a variety of the Provençal language, which is part of the Occitan language family. It is characterized by its unique phonetics, vocabulary, and grammar, which differ from standard French and Italian.

The Mentonese dialect has been influenced by the town's history of being a border region, with periods of French and Italian rule. This has led to a unique blend of linguistic features, including vocabulary from both languages. The dialect is also known for its use of the "s" sound, which is not present in standard French.

Mentonists are known for their strong sense of identity and community. The Mentonese dialect is an important part of their cultural heritage, and it is often used in everyday conversation. The dialect is also taught in schools in Menton, and there are efforts to preserve and promote it.

Despite the influence of standard French and Italian, the Mentonese dialect remains a vibrant and living language. It is spoken by a significant portion of the population in Menton, and it continues to evolve and change over time. The Mentonese dialect is a testament to the town's unique history and cultural identity.