Sicilian language included in European linguistic guide

The Sicilian language has been included in a new European educational guide titled ‘Lara’s Linguistic Journey in Italy’, published by the Council of Europe’s European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML). The guide, released for European Day of Languages, highlights over 25 languages that constitute Italy’s diverse linguistic heritage.

Specific sections for Sicilian provide historical context, literary references, everyday expressions, and pronunciation tools. The initiative aims to present an image of Italy that recognizes its plurality of traditions rather than a single national language. Historical data noted in the guide indicates that prior to the unification of Italy in 1861, over 95 percent of the population did not use Italian in daily life.