Pbrings to life in the heart of southern Italy an original and deeply identifying initiative: “Salviamo il dialetto cilentano”, a cultural format that aims to protect and enhance local dialects through itinerant events in the villages of Cilento. The goal? Preserving an intangible heritage that speaks the language of emotions, memory and collective history.
A language of the heart to protect
Inspired by the distinction made by the writer Carmine Abate between “language of the heart” and “language of bread”, the project intends to restore dignity to the Cilento dialects, considered affective codes and deeply rooted in the identity of the communities. These are languages learned in childhood, used in the family and capable of expressing intense feelings such as anger, joy, love and nostalgia.
A complex and unique linguistic mosaic
Cilento preserves one of the most complex dialect varieties of Campania. Unlike the Neapolitan model, the Cilento dialect is characterized by the preservation of unstressed vowels, the presence of a Tuscan vowel system and, in the Lower Cilento, even Sicilian, Gallo-Italic, Pan-Romance and marginal (Romanian) influences, as noted by the linguist Giovambattista Pellegrini. A wealth that deserves academic and popular attention.
Culture, gastronomy and art: the events of the format
The format proposes a series of events spread throughout the towns of Cilento, including poetry and narrative readings in dialect, visits to museums of peasant civilization, guided excursions among local toponyms and tastings of typical dishes linked to oral traditions and dialect names. A multidisciplinary approach that combines anthropology, gastronomy, phytotherapy, archaeology and historical archives.
Collaborations and identity symbols
The project was born from the synergy between writers, artists, actors and enthusiasts of Cilento culture, with the support of local authorities and associations. The main partners include the Municipality of Vallo della Lucania, the Goitre Music Institute, the Mountain Community “Gelbison e Cervati” and the YouTube channel *Kairòs* directed by Angelo Cortazzo. The visual symbol of the initiative is a painting by the painter Mario Romano di Gioi, which portrays Cilento farmers during the harvest, with a child in the foreground intent on reading, and Monte Stella in the background.
Next stop: S. Barbara di Ceraso – June 8, 2025
The third appointment of the format will be held on Sunday 8 June in S. Barbara di Ceraso, at the “Euro Bar” in via Del Cenobio. An opportunity to bring the hamlets of Ceraso back to the centre and involve the public in an afternoon of reflection, theatre, music and gastronomy.
An afternoon of words, identity and community
After the greetings of the deputy mayor Antonio Cerullo, the psychiatrist and anthropologist Luigi Leuzzi will present his book *Il Cilento che resta*, a passionate analysis of the cultural heritage of Cilento. Afterwards, the linguist Aniello Amato will explore the role of dialects in contemporary Italian society, while the architect Remigio Cammarano will talk about local toponymy.
Theatre, music and flavours of Cilento
The program will continue with theatrical sketches from the works of Lucia Paolino, curated by the director Anna Fatigati and the company “In Scena!” of Cannalonga. It will be followed by a reading of theatrical texts written by Simona Ferolla, interpreted by Diana Nese. The evening will be presented by Angelo Cortazzo and moderated by the writer Antonella Casaburi.
There will be no shortage of musical interludes: Antonietta Speranza (vocals), Giacomo Rodio (accordion) and Maurizio Rodio (guitar) will liven up the evening. Also on display will be the paintings of Assunta Giordano. To close, a taste of poor dishes from the peasant tradition offered by the managers of the host bar.
An invitation to rediscover
“Salviamo il dialetto cilentano” is much more than a cultural initiative: it is an invitation to rediscover the roots through language, art and conviviality. A journey through the ancient words that still tell the present.
Article published by Gustavo Gentile on June 3, 2025, at 11:49 PM
Comments (3)
It is true, dialect is important but we must not forget Italian. Both must coexist, without one prevailing over the other in order not to lose cultural identity.
I agree that schools need to do more. Parents should also speak more dialect at home to pass on this tradition to their children.
The initiative to safeguard the Cilento dialect is interesting, but I don't know if it's enough to just organize events. Maybe there should also be a greater commitment from schools to teach the language to young people.