1 Resources to Learn Friulian for Free

About the Friulian Language

Friulian, also known as *Furlan*, is a Romance language spoken primarily in the northeastern region of Italy, particularly in Friuli Venezia Giulia. With approximately 600,000 speakers, it is one of Italy’s officially recognized minority languages and has deep historical roots in the region. Its origins trace back to the Vulgar Latin spoken by the Roman Empire’s settlers, mixed with local and neighboring linguistic influences, particularly from Germanic and Slavic languages.

What makes Friulian interesting is its unique blend of sounds and vocabulary that distinguish it from both standard Italian and other Romance languages. Although closely related to Ladin and Romansh, Friulian has its own distinctive identity, with a rich tradition of literature, poetry, and folk songs.

Friulian is spoken in several urban and rural areas of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, including Udine, Pordenone, and Gorizia. In addition to its local presence, there are Friulian-speaking communities in other parts of the world, particularly in countries like Argentina and Canada, where Friulian emigrants have settled.

Efforts to preserve and revitalize the Friulian language have gained momentum, with its inclusion in education, media, and public life in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Cultural pride and regional identity are deeply tied to the language, making it a key part of the heritage of Friuli’s people.