A UNIQUE DIALECT FOR A UNIQUE PEOPLE
A SPECIFIC VARIANT OF MODERN DAY GREEK
Like Greece, the official language of the Republic of Cyprus is Greek, but Cypriots speak it with a very distinct and harsh dialect that has developed into a unique identifier for most Cypriots. Known as ‘Kypriaka’, the Cypriot dialect retains several facets of the original ancient Greek, also known as ‘Koine Greek,’ that it stemmed from and today forms a unique variant of the Modern Greek language spoken in other regions of the Hellenic world.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS & INFLUENCES
Over the centuries various foreign occupying powers have dominated, the history of Cyprus and they all have left their indelible mark on the island. These bygone civilizations have left behind several layers of influence that have created a historical melting pot on the island. This is directly reflected throughout, from the island’s architecture, culture, food, history and more notably in this case, its language. The historical developments that have shaped the Cypriot dialect, from its origins, influences from various cultures, and its current status within the broader context of the Greek language, not only tell the story of the island’s resilience but also its struggle to retain its predominantly Greek culture throughout its history.
GREEK AT ITS CORE
The Cypriot dialect also reflects the historical, cultural, and social influences within Cyprus over the centuries, and although the Cypriot dialect has remained Greek at its core, other languages of the region such as Phoenician, Turkish, Arabic, Maronite, Armenian and Latin have all influenced it, helping to further its development as a unique dialect. The dialect’s vast vocabulary, which borrows from all of these languages, directly reflects this and in some ways has over the years helped to represent unity on the island between the different communities on the island.
ANCIENT GREEK SETTLERS
Greek, as a language has existed on the island from the time when ancient Greek settlers, who are thought to have arrived originally from southern Greece and Crete, arrived in the 12th century BC. These settlers were more notably from Mycenae and Sparta, and they brought with them the specific ancient Greek language of ‘Koine Greek’,’ which was considered much harsher than the more refined language spoken in Athens at the time. The roots of the Cypriot dialect can be directly traced back to this early Greek language and today forms the basis of the local vernacular. The language of the island then became isolated in some ways and began to develop its unique phonetic overtone that remained uninterrupted until the Hellenistic period following Alexander the Great’s conquests in the 4th century BC.
A HELLENISTIC WORLD
Cyprus was firmly accepted into the Hellenistic world after Alexander the Great’s conquests and the presence of its Greek Ptolemaic rulers further solidified the Greek language and culture on the island. However, during this period, the local dialect began to interact with other languages, more notably with the language spoken by Phoenician traders. These foreign influences greatly affected the language and its linguistics and phonetically it developed further.
THE DOMINANT LANGUAGE ON THE ISLAND
Although Greek still acted as the dominant language during the Roman era, their interaction led to several Latin loan words being introduced to the Cypriot dialect. Although strong, the Latin influence was then somewhat muted during the predominantly Greek Byzantine era that followed, and Greek remained as the dominant language on the island. The Greek Orthodox Church, which was the main advocate for the education system, still used Greek as its main language and this helped to preserve the island’s Greek heritage.
TURKISH INFLUENCES
Latin influences returned under both the Frankish and Venetian eras that followed the Byzantine era, but the most significant external influence on the dialect came during the period of Ottoman rule. Under Ottoman control, Turkish emerged as a dominant language on the island and again affected the vocabulary and phonetics of the Cypriot dialect. This period introduced a range of Turkish loan words into the Greek Cypriot dialect, as well as the introduction of new words that went on to blend seamlessly into the local vernacular, further moulding the dialect into its Cypriot context.
ENGLISH INFLUENCES
British colonial rule further developed the dialect, as English became the new dominant language on the island. Several English loan words began to penetrate the Cypriot dialect, particularly in areas of technology, politics, and education, which again led to a unique hybridisation of some of the words within the language. The exposure to various colonial administrative terminologies and the establishment of English as a second language within the education system occurred simultaneously. This along with the preservation of the Modern Greek cultural identity, again led to a distinctive new Cypriot Greek lexicon.
THE LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF THE CYPRIOT DIALECT
The Cypriot dialect exhibits several linguistic features that distinguish it from today’s standard Modern Greek language. Phonologically, it has retained certain archaic phonetic elements that have largely disappeared from other modern-day Greek dialects. For instance, the diphthongs and specific vowel sounds in the dialect reflect features similar to those of ancient Greek, providing a direct link to its linguistic origins. Morphologically and syntactically, the dialect also diverges from standard Modern Greek and preserves certain grammatical structures and forms that have been in decline in other Greek dialects. Additionally, the use of diminutives and augmentatives is more prevalent in the Cypriot dialect lending a unique flavour to the dialect’s oral traditions and communication styles.
A NATIONAL IDENTITY
The Cypriot dialect has also been used as a vehicle for the expression of national identity in the past, particularly during periods of political turmoil and struggle. The fight for independence from British rule in the mid-20th century saw a resurgence of interest in the dialect that was used as a symbol of resistance and cultural pride. The use of ‘Kypriaka’ in literature and nationalist songs emphasised its importance as more than just a means of communication and in some ways became a symbol of the Cypriot spirit.
A DIALECT OF CULTURAL IDENTITY
Understanding and appreciating the historical developments of the Cypriot dialect provides valuable insights into the complexities of language and cultural identity in the modern world. The dialect today serves as a stark marker of identity that immediately identifies Cypriots from other Greeks and fosters a sense of unified belonging among speakers that plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of the island’s inhabitants. The dialect remains deeply embedded into the island’s folklore, literature, and music, which often reflects local Cypriot customs and traditions.
A VITAL COMPONANT OF CYPRIOT IDENTITY
Today, the Cypriot dialect faces probably its most relevant challenges, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the dialect highlight its significance not only as a means of communication but also as a vital component of the Cypriot identity. Globalisation and the dominance of standard Modern Greek directly from Greece are constantly threatening the island’s linguistic vitality, particularly in formal education and media. This has led to a decline in the use of ‘Kypriaka’ among younger generations, and this along with the increasing exposure to English and other global languages has contributed to a shift in linguistic practices. Efforts to preserve and revitalise the Cypriot dialect are underway, and some cultural institutions, educational programs, and local media have started to integrate the dialect into their offerings, fostering a renewed appreciation for it. Moreover, contemporary Cypriot authors are increasingly incorporating the dialect directly into their literary works, ensuring that it is also represented in Modern Greek literature.
