La tipologia dei parlanti di lingue di minoranza: tradizionali, ereditari e neo-parlanti

Abstract

Minority languages are typically subjected to constant pressure from the dominant language. This situation often leads to a gradual language shift, resulting in the emergence of different types of minority language speakers. This paper focuses on the Sardinian-speaking community and its speakers, who have long been exposed to the influence of Italian, the dominant language on the island. From both linguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives, we will examine the main categories of Sardinian speakers: traditional speakers, heritage speakers, and new speakers. Our aim is to provide new insights for both field linguists and those – teachers and researchers alike – who are interested in the Sardinian linguistic reality for educational purposes.