Discovering Friulian: The Hidden Romance Language of Italy

Italy is renowned for its rich mosaic of regional languages and dialects, but few are as distinctive and intriguing 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 bear the marks of centuries spent alongside Slavic and Germanic languages, influenced by proximity to Austria and Slovenia.

Like many regional languages, Friulian varies across provinces. Someone from Udine might sound noticeably different from a speaker in Carnia or Pordenone, adding both charm and complexity to the language.

Not Spoken in Trieste

While Friulian is the traditional tongue across much of Friuli, it is not spoken in Trieste. 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 guarding their unique cultural heritage.

Dante’s Opinion on Friulian

Even Dante Alighieri weighed in on Friulian. In his treatise De Vulgari Eloquentia, he compared the sound of Friulian speech to barking — not exactly a compliment, but proof that Friulian’s distinctiveness was clear even in medieval times.

Everyday Friulian: Speak 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 featured 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.