Stefano Lanza

ABSTRACT

It is usually assumed that clearly define a border between regional languages (someti­mes even State languages) and dialects is not possible. At the European level one can easily admit that, at least in the last 30 years, the very concept of dialect is not regarded as practical. The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML) states with no doubt that the expression regional or minority languages “does not include […] dialects of the official language(s)” (Article 1). Italy has signed this treaty, but didn’t ratify it, so that the decision of which (minority or regional) languages to protect and promote lies solely in the hands of the Italian Government. As a result of this, some local languages have gained this special status, namely those who are already recogni­zed as such by the scientific community (i.e. Sardinian, Friulian and Ladin). The logical consequence of this “language policy” is that safeguarding dialects is a commitment devolved to local organizations. Such is the case of the Bolognese dialect, which has a strong historic tradition, nonetheless enjoying modern vitality thanks to non-profit well organized cultural associations.

KEYWORDS

regional language; dialects; Bolognese; language policy