sinto

The Sinti, also spelled Sinto in some languages, are a Romani ethnic group concentrated in Central and Western Europe. They form a branch of the Romani peoples and are commonly associated with the West Romani group, including the Manouche subgroup. Linguistically, many Sinti speak Sinti-Manouche, a variant of the Romani language, while most are fluent in the dominant language of their country.

Geographic distribution and settlement patterns include Germany and other parts of Central Europe, with communities across France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Switzerland, as well as the Balkans. Historically, many Sinti were nomadic or semi-nomadic, but contemporary Sinti communities are largely settled or semi-settled.

Culture and language: Sinti culture has produced distinctive musical traditions, notably the Manouche guitar style that influenced early jazz. Sinti social life centers on families, kinship networks, and community associations; traditional occupations have included music, crafts, and trade, though modern livelihoods are diverse. The Sinti language, Sinti-Manouche, is part of the Romani language continuum, with regional dialects and varying degrees of use among younger generations.

History and rights: The Sinti have faced discrimination and marginalization in Europe. During World War II, the Nazi regime persecuted Roma and Sinti in the Porajmos, resulting in the deaths and deportations of many. In the postwar era, Sinti communities faced integration challenges and ongoing anti-Gypsyism, even as individuals contributed to national cultures and economies across the region.