Mòcheno language


Mòcheno is an Upper German variety spoken in three towns of the Bersntol, in Trentino, northeastern Italy.
Mòcheno is closely related to Bavarian and is variously classified either as a Southern Bavarian dialect or a separate language of its own. It has also been posited that it may be descended from Lombardic. Mòcheno speakers reportedly partially understand Bavarian, Cimbrian, or Standard German. However, many essential differences in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation render it difficult for speakers of standard German to understand.

Name

The name Mocheni used by Italian- and Ladino-speaking neighbours to refer to the speakers of the language has been coined from the verb mochen often used to build compound predicates in.

Geographic distribution

According to the census of 2001, the first in which data on native languages were recorded, Mòcheno was spoken by a majority in the following municipalities : Fierozzo/Florutz/Vlarotz, Palù/Palai/Palae, Frassilongo/Gereut/Garait. In other municipalities of Trentino 1,329 persons declared themselves members of the Mòcheno linguistic group, a total of 2,276 in Trentino. In the 2011 census, the total number of speakers in the Province decreased to 1,660.

Status

Mòcheno is officially recognised in Trentino by provincial and national law. Starting in the 1990s, various laws and regulations have been passed by the Italian parliament and provincial assembly, that put the Mòcheno language and culture under protection. A cultural institute was founded by decree, whose purpose is to safeguard and educate on the language. School curricula were adapted in order to teach in Mòcheno, and street signs are being changed to be bilingual.

Example