Cypriot Greek: The Dialect of Cyprus
Cypriot Greek is a dialect of the Greek language spoken in Cyprus, descending from medieval Greek, not the ancient Cypriot or Arcadocyprian dialects, as some might assume. It differs significantly from Standard Modern Greek in phonology, vocabulary, and grammar, making it challenging for many Greek speakers to understand without familiarity.
Image depicting Cypriot culture.
Cypriot Greek descends from medieval Greek, not the ancient Arcadocyprian dialect, which was a descendant of Mycenaean Greek spoken in Arcadia and Cyprus. The Greek language has been spoken in Cyprus since the 12th century BC. Before the Turkish invasion of 1974, Cypriot Greek was the common language of communication on the island, used even by Turkish Cypriots.
Archaeological artifacts from Cyprus.
Cypriot Greek differs significantly from Standard Modern Greek in phonology, vocabulary, and grammar. Some linguists consider it a separate language within the Greek family due to its limited mutual intelligibility. Characteristics include unique phonetic sounds, vocabulary not found in Standard Greek, and syntactic differences.
Example of Cypriot cultural expression.
The vocabulary of Cypriot Greek includes unique words and expressions that differ from Standard Modern Greek. Below are some characteristic phrases:
| Cypriot Greek | Standard Greek | English | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Τί κάμνεις ρε πελέ μου, ούλα καλά; | Τι κάνεις ρε φίλε μου, όλα καλά; | What are you doing, my friend, all is well? | 🔊 |
| Λάμνε αρώτα | Ρώτα αλλού | Ask elsewhere (don't address me) | 🔊 |
| Όι Άππαρο με την βάκλαν | Αδύνατον να γίνει | Impossible to do | 🔊 |
| Το πουλίν επέτασε | Το πουλί πέταξε | Throw the bird | 🔊 |
| Εν | Όχι | No | 🔊 |
| Πούποτε | Πουθενά | Nowhere | 🔊 |
Cypriot Greek remains vibrant in Cyprus, though its use is mostly limited to informal settings. Younger generations tend to use Standard Modern Greek in formal contexts, but the dialect persists in daily conversations, songs, and cultural events. Despite the influence of Standard Greek, Cypriot Greek continues to be a key element of Cypriot identity.
Modern Cypriot community.
Test Your Knowledge!
What is the primary origin of Cypriot Greek?
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