Fewer than 900 people worldwide still speak Cypriot Maronite Arabic (Sanna), most of whom live in the village of Kormakitis in the Turkish-controlled north of Cyprus, according to the “Αssociated Ρress“.
The language is a variant of Arabic with Greek influences and was once spoken by tens of thousands across numerous villages. It was transmitted orally for generations, and until about 20 years ago, had no written form. Today, only a small number of people are able to teach it.
With support from the Cypriot government and the European Union, the Maronite community in Cyprus—around 7,500 people—has developed schools and educational materials to support efforts to preserve the language.
Until the mid-1970s, Maronites were primarily based in four villages: Asomatos, Ayia Marina, Karpasha, and Kormakitis, which was the community’s cultural center.
The language was brought to Cyprus in the 8th century by Arab Christians who were displaced from regions that are now part of Syria and Lebanon.
After the Turkish invasion, most Maronites moved to the Greek-controlled side of the island. No Maronites remain in Asomatos and Ayia Marina, as these villages have been converted into Turkish military zones. Kormakitis is now the only village where Sanna is still spoken, and even there, it is mostly used by people over the age of 55.
Currently, about 100 children are learning the language in Kormakitis and Nicosia, and a summer camp has been set up to support language instruction.
The Cypriot government is also considering financial incentives to encourage people to return to Kormakitis and study the language at the village’s new school, which was funded by the European Union.
What is fyi.news?
