The dialect of the Mitrovica Roma

Abstract

The Mitrovica Roma have been scattered across Europe since the ethnic conflict in Kosovo. Their dialect was identified as a Gurbet variety, but has not yet being exhaustively documented. This article aims at filling this gap by presenting the grammar of the dialect. Data have been collected in Palermo, Italy, and are presented following the Romani Morpho-Syntax database format. Phonological, morphological and syntactic features are described, highlighting those helpful in classifying the dialect in a geographic-historical perspective. Many features are shared with Vlax dialects of Romani, originating in Walachia and Moldavia, which is taken as an indication of the origin of the Mitrovica dialect in Vlax territories. Mitrovica Romani participates in innovations originating in the south-western Balkans but not reaching Vlax territories, suggesting a relatively early migration of the community to the southern Balkans.