The dialect was formed by the Croats, who refugeed in Molise in the 15th and 16th century. They returned to their homes in the time of the plague.
They are located in the villages of Montemitro and San Felice del Molise, both in the northern part of Molise and Acquaviva-Collecroce in the south. They all have populations of less than 1,500. Montemitro the smallest, has a population of only 500.
They live like most Italians who live in villages, officially using Italian. They usually gossip and talk in their dialect, nicknamed 'Our language '. All the signs they put up (specifically notice boards and city welcome signs) have the name in Italian and Slavomolisano.
They live specifically as Christians, and do not have a unique faith.
Sadly, UNESCO rates it as a seriously endangered language, and these villages are so small that one of them have already closed down the school (Montemitro). This group is a glimpse of the past, and it is slowly washing away.
Scripture Prayers for the Slavomolisano in Italy.
Profile Source: Anonymous |