Discovering Friulian: The Hidden Romance Language of Italy

Italy is renowned for its rich mosaic of regional languages and dialects, but few are as interesting as Friulian, or Furlan. Spoken in Friuli, the northeastern corner of Italy, Friulian has endured centuries of cultural blending and remains a vibrant part of local identity today. Let’s explore this lesser-known Romance language together.

A Romance Language with a Unique Flavor

Friulian belongs to the Rhaeto-Romance group, alongside Ladin and Romansh—languages spoken in the Dolomites and parts of Switzerland. Rooted in Latin, its vocabulary and pronunciation reflect centuries of contact with Slavic and Germanic languages, influenced by Friuli’s proximity to Austria and Slovenia.

Like many regional languages, Friulian varies across provinces. A speaker from Udine may sound noticeably different from someone in Carnia or Pordenone.

Not Spoken in Trieste

While Friulian is the traditional tongue across much of Friuli, it is not spoken in Trieste, the capital of the region. Instead, locals there speak a dialect more closely related to Venetian. This linguistic divide fuels a long-standing, friendly rivalry between the Triestini and Friulani, each proudly preserving their unique cultural heritage.

Dante’s Opinion on Friulian

Even Dante Alighieri had something to say about Friulian. In his treatise De Vulgari Eloquentia, he compared the sound of Friulian to barking—not exactly a compliment, but proof that the language’s distinctiveness was recognized even in medieval times.

Everyday Friulian: Speak Like a Local

Here are some basic Friulian phrases to help you sound like a local:

A Language Worth Preserving

Though often overshadowed by standard Italian and larger regional dialects, Friulian is a cultural gem. It is taught in schools, supported by regional institutions, and celebrated in literature and media. If you visit Friuli, try greeting someone with a warm Mandi!—it might open the door to a rich conversation in this beautiful, historic language.