Languages of Italy

Southern Italian Group

Regions: Abruzzo, Campania, Basilicata, Molise, Apulia (Puglia)

The Southern Italian dialects form a diverse and widely spoken group, often grouped under the label “Neapolitan.” While they share common traits, regional varieties differ considerably in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. These dialects are vibrant in everyday speech despite limited official recognition.

History and Classification

These dialects descend from Latin but have been shaped by Greek, Oscan, Norman, Spanish, and French influences. Campanian (Neapolitan) is the most prominent and has had literary and musical prominence for centuries. Other varieties, like Apulian and Molisano, maintain strong local identities.

Examples

Neapolitan (Naples):

Nun me ne importa proprio!
Standard Italian: Non me ne importa affatto!
English: I don't care at all!

Abruzzese (L'Aquila):

Com'a stè? Tè lu pan'?
Standard Italian: Come stai? Hai il pane?
English: How are you? Do you have bread?

Apulian (Bari):

Ce fè? Vènghe pure io!
Standard Italian: Che fai? Vengo anch'io!
English: What are you doing? I’m coming too!
Southern Italian dialect map

Dialects and Variants

  • Neapolitan (Campanian) – Centered in Naples with wide regional spread.
  • Abruzzese–Molisano – Spoken in mountainous and rural areas.
  • Lucanian (Basilicata) – Highly diverse between towns.
  • Apulian – With northern, central, and southern variants.

Audio Samples

Current Status

These dialects remain actively spoken across all generations, particularly in informal settings. Neapolitan enjoys a cultural status through music, cinema, and theater. Regional initiatives support dialect preservation, though Standard Italian dominates formal domains such as media and education.