Friulian Language - Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Most of the Friulan vocabulary is derived from Latin. Needless to say, there have been substantial phonological and morphological changes throughout its history. Therefore many words are shared with Romance languages, but other languages have contributed too:

• German words were introduced in particular in the Middle Ages, during the Patrie dal Friûl, when the influence from this culture was quite strong (i.e. bearç, backyard).
• Slavic words were brought by South Slavic (mostly Alpine Slavic) immigrants that were called several times to Friuli to repopulate lands devastated by Hungarian invasions in the 10th century (i.e. cjast, barn; zigâ, to shout). Furthermore, many Slavic words have entered Friulan through the century-long neighbourhood between Friulans and Slovenes, especially in north-eastern Friuli (Slavia Friulana) and in the Gorizia and Gradisca area. Words such as colaç (cake), cudiç (devil) and cos (basket) are all of Slovene origin. There are also many toponyms with Slavic roots.
• There are many words that have Germanic (probably Longobardic origins) and Celtic roots (what still remains of the languages spoken before Roman colonizations). Examples of the first category are sbregâ, to tear; sedon, spoon; taponâ, to cover. For the latter category, troi, path; bragons, trousers.
• The Venetian language influenced Friulan vocabulary, for example canucje, straw.
• scientific terms are often of Greek origin, and there are also some Arab terms in Friulan (lambic, still)
• Some French words entered the Friulan vocabulary: examples include pardabon, really and gustâ, to have lunch
• Many English words (such as computer, monitor, mouse and so on) have entered the Friulan vocabulary through Italian.
• Italian itself has a growing influence on Friulan vocabulary, especially as far as neologisms are concerned (e.g. treno meaning train, aereo meaning airplane). Such neologisms are currently used, although not accepted in the official dictionary.