Specials

For this issue of i-Italy, we chose Sardinia to highlight one of the regions in Italy. Sardinia’s individuality is reflected in its natural beauty, history, art, but also in its language. The residents, in fact, are very often bilingual in both Sardinian and standard Italian.

The local language is used mainly in familiar and informal situations, while standard Italian is used in public, in business, and of course, in writing. Institutions have approached this issue with great resolve and concern. And so, we have a few questions for Anna Luisa Depau, Sardinian Minister for Tourism, Artisan Arts, and Commerce.
A number of years ago, a law was passed to safeguard the Sardinian language. We asked Minister Depau if this is at odds with the use of the Italian language or if it demonstrates a step towards a healthy relationship between the two.
“There is no conflict between the Italian and Sardinian languages. It represents, as you mentioned, a step forward. The Autonomous Region of Sardinia passed a law which created a framework for the protection of Sardinian culture, with specific protection for the language. It refers back to law 26 enacted on October 15, 1997 for the promotion and enhancement of Sardinia’s culture and language. Today, with respect to the Sardinian language, there is a synergy between state law 482/99 that deals with public administration and regional law 26 that deals with cultural projects, as well as the media and educational initiatives.”
How important is it to preserve the Sardinian language in a world that is increasingly globalized?
“I would say that it is strategic. It was confirmed in 1992 with the approval of the Carta Europea delle Lingue which created new perspectives in Italy. In 1999, in fact, Parliament approved law 482 which includes Sardinian in the “minor historical languages” recognized within the E.U. alongside Catalan, Croatian, Occitan, Provençal, Friulian, Griko, and Albanian. This enforces article 6 of the Republican Constitution which 50 years earlier affirmed protection for minor languages.”
At the same time, how important is it for Sardinia’s residents to speak correct standard Italian?
“Naturally, it is very important. Sardinians speak correct Italian and many have the privilege of knowing another language, an ancient one that is directly connected to the traditional life of shepherds and farmers.”
How much can a local language enrich a young person’s life?
“A lot, especially when knowing the language means getting closer to traditions, history, and the ancient culture of our island.”
As for tourists, how important is it to share Sardinia’s cultural distinctiveness, particularly its language, with those who visit?
“We believe that this is also important, above all because Sardinian culture includes its language, and it is part of what makes Sardinia a striking and unique area. A tourist may leave and then return to our island because here he or she can participate in the most ancient folk traditions, savor our cuisine, and only here can he or she hear a vibrant language that is deeply rooted in the social fabric.”

Often this “transmission” to tourists happens through music and folk songs. There are several initiatives which Sardinia is preparing to launch in the U.S. A large-scale promotion of Sardinian music is planned for September and i-Italy is involved. Can you share something about this with our readers?
“There are various programs that are being organized by the Region for the American public beginning next fall. The Council will be the main sponsor for the new edition of the New York Film Festival and on that occasion, we will present an important concert of Sardinian music and a film in the Sardinian language.”