KORMARKITIS, Cyprus — In a small village, 97-year-old Iosif Skordis sits with fellow locals, the ash from his cigarette glimmering in the air. He speaks a unique language, Cypriot Maronite Arabic, also known as Sanna. With only about 900 speakers left in the world, this dialect has roots tracing back to the language spoken by Jesus Christ.
Kormakitis, once home to thousands of Sanna speakers, now finds itself as the final stronghold of this endangered language. Despite the risk of it disappearing entirely, the Maronite community in Cyprus is determined to preserve it.
Historically, Sanna emerged from Syrian Arabic but has incorporated elements of Greek due to the close ties between Maronite and Greek cultures. Until recently, the language did not even have a standardized written form, with transmission occurring solely through conversation among family members. Presently, there are only a handful of individuals qualified to teach it.
The Council of Europe warns that minority languages are at risk, with one disappearing every two weeks. Yet, the approximately 7,500 Maronites in Cyprus are taking proactive steps. With support from the Cypriot government and the European Union, they’ve established schools and created an alphabet for Sanna, aiming to nurture and bolster the language.
“Speaking Sanna is a vital part of our identity,” stated Yiannakis Moussas, the Maronite community representative in Cyprus’ legislature. He highlighted the language’s significance in showcasing their heritage and historical origins linked to Syria and Lebanon.
The arrival of Arab Christians in Cyprus began as early as the 8th century, fleeing persecution. This migration led to the establishment of a unique linguistic and cultural identity for the Maronites. However, the Turkish invasion in 1974 drastically changed the landscape, scattering the community and diminishing their cultural presence in several of their traditional villages.
Today, many Maronites reside in urban areas, with a decline in the use of Sanna among younger generations. Community leaders worry that without significant steps to encourage young families to return to Kormakitis and engage in the language, its future remains uncertain.
Current efforts include language classes for around 100 children and adults, along with summer camps to boost interest. At Ayios Maronas primary school, new technology is being utilized to teach Sanna. The community is also looking for incentives to attract families back to their ancestral village.
As Ilias Zonias, the only native Sanna speaker qualified as a teacher, expressed, preserving this language would mark a significant achievement. “I don’t want to be the last teacher of Sanna,” he remarked, emphasizing the desire for the language to thrive for future generations.
In conclusion, as the Maronite community rallies to protect its linguistic heritage, there’s hope that Sanna will not just survive, but flourish once again.
