In the following article, I will discuss the historical relationship between Sicilian and Italian, and I will attempt to answer the question, “Is Sicilian a language or a dialect?” As this is a touchy subject that involves regional pride, identity, and politics, I will try not to fall victim to that dreaded social disease known as campanilismo, a faint echo of which still characterizes Italian society.

Sicilians are proud of being Sicilians. The fact that they live separately from the mainland has developed in them a visceral connection to the island. But while they are fiercely proud of their heritage, they do not seem to feel as passionately about their language that is something that cannot be separated from the culture.