Piedmontese language
History
First signs
First Piedmontese documents, "Sermoni Subalpini" have been written in 12th century, along with a church's floor inscription, both in Vercelli.
The language status
The language has never been the official or the upper class one, because it's always been classified as a vulgar language, hence French (during Savoy duchy) and than Italian were preferred.
However, the language has been used for centuries as primary and often only language by people.
When Italy was unificated, there was the need to create a people who identified as Italian: the obvious solution was creating a common language, evolved from Florence dialect and already used by literates.
Piedmontese was gradually replaced, hence now, it's difficult to find new generations speaking fluently the language and there is a lot of misconception about Piedmontese.
Language or dialect?
In Italy, Piedmontese, along with other regional languages, is commonly referred to as dialect.
It's an inappropriate use of the word, because "dialect" means a jargon originated from an existing language.
Piedmontese is a sister language of Italian instead, because both originated from Latin, not one from the other.
It's an inappropriate use of the word, because "dialect" means a jargon originated from an existing language.
Piedmontese is a sister language of Italian instead, because both originated from Latin, not one from the other.
Italy always incited this common mistake, to justify the Italian language as the only one worthy of being taught, whilst all the remaining regional languages are perceived as worthless jargons.
Literature and modern uses
The flourishing period of litereture in Piedmontese language dates back to 17th and 18th, with artistic works such as novels, poetry and plays, but also scientific documents.
Piedmontese speakers usually cannot write or read Piedmontese, because they didn't study it, they learnt the language in familiar contexts.
However, in 20th century, characters such as Milo Bré e Pinin Pacòt, created a written and complete grammar and the modern spelling named "Dij Brandé".
However, in 20th century, characters such as Milo Bré e Pinin Pacòt, created a written and complete grammar and the modern spelling named "Dij Brandé".
Today, many websites, such as Piedmontese Wikipedia or Mach Piemontèis use the language with proper grammatical rules and spelling.
There are also sites, like Piemunteis, wich use a different spelling, to allow Italian native speakers to understand and read.
There are also sites, like Piemunteis, wich use a different spelling, to allow Italian native speakers to understand and read.
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