I ladini dolomitici e il nazionalismo: ragioni storiche di una condizione di marginalità politica

Abstract

The life story of Vincenzo “Zenz” Mussner sheds light on factors deeply rooted in history that have contributed to the marginalized status of the Ladins of the Dolomites in relation to nationalistic movements. Starting from the premise that the protagonist’s role was characterized by political unreliability, it is demonstrated how he faced insignificance, instrumentalization and alienation. The analysis illustrates how the conditions experienced by Zenz affected not only him but also his fellow countrymen. Zenz’s experiences are then examined against the context of the connection between nationalism and the Ladin population, especially from the mid-nineteenth century onwards. In conclusion it is argued that Zenz’s political marginalization stemmed from poor understanding of the Ladin language and the absence of a clear political position on behalf of the Ladin minority.