Scarcely 900 individuals retain proficiency in the Sanna language, yet Cyprus' Maronite community demonstrates signs of revival.

Scarcely 900 individuals retain proficiency in the Sanna language, yet Cyprus' Maronite community demonstrates signs of revival.

In the rural village of Kormakitis, Cyprus, 97-year-old Iosif Skordis puffs on his cigarette, conversing in a language steeped in history and on the brink of extinction. One of the sole 900 speakers of Cypriot Maronite Arabic, also known as Sanna, Skordis represents a dwindling population whose tongue partially traces its roots to the ancient language spoken by Jesus Christ.

With Kormakitis now the only stronghold of a once widespread dialect, Sanna is at risk of vanishing. The United Nations estimates that one Indigenous language dies every fortnight, each loss dimming the rich tapestry of human knowledge one thread at a time. However, the 7,500-strong Maronite community in Cyprus is resolute in their pursuit to save Sanna.

With assistance from the Cypriot government and the European Union, the community has fostered schools, developed a Sanna alphabet for publishing textbooks, and initiated classes to keep the language alive. Yiannakis Moussas, the Maronite community's representative in the Cypriot legislature, explains the significance of Sanna as a vital component of their cultural identity and heritage.

Originating from waves of Arab Christians fleeing persecution in the 8th century, Sanna is a Semitic language that contains remnants of the pre-Arab invasion Aramaic. This isolation allowed Sanna to incorporate elements of Greek over the centuries, further distinguishing it among Arabic dialects.

The 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus displaced most Maronites, leaving them scattered throughout the south and at risk of losing their language as their children attended Greek schools and intermarriage with the Greek Cypriot majority increased. Today, only 1 in 5 Maronite marriages are within the community.

Despite the challenges, Kormakitis remains the linguistic heart of Sanna, spoken only by residents over 50. The retired teacher Ilias Zonias, a native Sanna speaker, is the only qualified instructor to teach the language. Community leaders are eager to incentivize young families to return to Kormakitis, securing the future of Sanna and maintaining the unique cultural identity of the Cypriot Maronites.

Associated Press reporting

Additional Resources:

• Asian communities confront language barriers during L.A. wildfires, according to a UCLA study.
• Indigenous communities worldwide fight to preserve their dying languages.
• Voices: Learn Ukrainian, defeat Russia offers insights into the strategic importance of language preservation.

1. California communities face language barriers during wildfires, as reported by a UCLA study.
2. The government and European Union are assisting Cyprus' Maronite community in their efforts to save the dying Sanna language.
3. Sanna, a language with roots tracing back to the ancient language spoken by Jesus Christ, is at risk of disappearing.
4. Los Angeles residents are concerned about the impact of wildfires on their lifestyles, including language barriers.
5. The United Nations estimates that one Indigenous language dies every fortnight, dimming the rich tapestry of human knowledge.
6. UCLA offers insights into the strategic importance of language preservation in the context of global conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
7. The Cypriot government is working towards saving Sanna, a vital component of the Maronite community's cultural identity and heritage.
8. Fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink stores in Los Angeles may experience disruptions due to wildfire evacuations and power outages.
9. The Sanna language has elements of Greek that set it apart from other Arabic dialects due to its isolation.
10. Home-and-garden stores in areas affected by wildfires may see an increase in demand for fire-resistant materials.
11. Relationships within the Maronite community are at risk due to the decrease in Maronite marriages, leaving the Sanna language vulnerable.
12. Sports fans in California may lament the disruption of career-development opportunities due to wildfires affecting premier-league football matches and sports-analysis discussions.

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