Il sappadino

Abstract

This article focuses on the linguistic and sociolinguistic situation of Sappada – Plodn, a village in the Carnic Alps, which – just as the close Sauris and Timau – differs from the rest of its neighbouring villages as it is an ancient settlement of Austrian-Bavarian origin. In this essay, the author will provide an outline of Sappada’s historical origins and focus on a description of its peculiar Germanic dialect, which is still preserved and spoken by the local population. Then the initiatives to protect Sappada’s linguistic heritage will be illustrated from a sociolinguistic point of view, also in the light of the most important traditions that make the village a very important tourist attraction.