Saving the Romano-Greek Language.

Language; Romano-Greek

People and Culture;
Used as a secret language in public, the Romano-Greek language is a mixed language (that is, of multiple lexical origins) spoken by the Romani (or Gypsy) people in Greece. This language arose due to contact between Romani people in Greece and the Greek language and therefore the language has its structure and grammar in common with Greek with a heavy lexical borrowing from Romani, an Indo-Aryan language related to some languages in northern India. In 2000, this language had approximately 30 native speakers. This language is used among its native speakers (who most likely know Greek as well) so that others cannot understand what is being said.


Why save this language?

According to UNESCO, languages often reflect on the experiences of a people or culture and might often coincide with the region in which these people live; for example the Romano-Greek language developed in Greece as a result of contact between the Romani and Greek languages and therefore, may very well reflect the experiences of the Romani people in Greece. I know that the Romani are a heavily discriminated-against people in most parts of Europe, and the reason they might use this language as a 'secret language' is so that they can keep their conversations private from the general public. It also most likely reflects on their experiences in Greece and if this language is lost completely, they will have no language of their own to speak and a part of their culture and experience is lost. In addition it is probably one of the only remains of their original culture in Greece.


Reflection of the Language and Culture;

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/docroot/dulcinea/fd_images/news/international/2009/feb/Legal-Action-Offers-Roma-Gypsies-Hope-In-Greece/news/0/image.jpg

This language is most likely used in the workplace among adults, particularly men, as this language would have been used among Roma Gypsies in Greece largely in public, and most likely in the workplace.