Yes, Cypriot Greek is a dialect of Modern Greek and shares similarities with the standard Greek language, but also has its own distinct variations.
Detailed answer question
Yes, Cypriot Greek is a dialect of Modern Greek and shares similarities with the standard Greek language, but also has its own distinct variations. According to the Greek Reporter, “Greek Cypriots speak a dialect of Greek that incorporates words and phrases from the Turkish language, and sounds and intonations from Italian, French and Venetian, reflecting centuries of foreign rulership on the island.”
Here are some interesting facts about the Greek Cypriot dialect:
- It is also called Cypriot Maronite Arabic by some linguists due to its Arabic-influenced vocabulary.
- Cypriot Greek has loanwords from Turkish, Italian, French, Venetian, and English.
- The dialect has unique pronunciations, such as the use of “sh” and “ch” sounds for certain letters.
- Cypriot Greek also features unique grammatical structures and intonations.
- A study by the University of Cyprus found that Greek Cypriots are able to understand standard Greek better than mainland Greeks are able to understand Cypriot Greek.
- Cyprus has been under the rule of various empires and countries throughout history, including the Ottoman Empire, British Empire, and briefly, the Venetian Republic. These foreign ruling powers have left their mark on the language and culture of Cyprus.
To better understand the similarities and differences between Greek and Cypriot Greek, here is a table showcasing some of the differences in vocabulary:
| Greek | Cypriot Greek |
|---|---|
| Πείνα | Γλιγός |
| Ποτό | Τσιπούρα |
| Κορίτσι | Κουρτάτζος |
| Λίστα | Εγγραφή |
| Καλημέρα | Χαίρετε |
As George Bernard Shaw once said, “England and America are two countries separated by the same language.” Similarly, while Greek and Cypriot Greek are both forms of Modern Greek, they have their own unique characteristics that make them distinct from each other.
Other responses to your inquiry
Greek and Cypriot are not the same. Cyprus has its own flag, government, economy, and financial problems. There are two official languages in Cyprus: Greek and Turkish. Cypriots, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, are actually very different to normal Greeks and normal Turks. There are distinctly different traditions and cultures that aren’t completely shared with mainland Greece or Turkey, to the point that there are distinct language differences.
There are Greeks and there are Cypriots, and they are not the same. Cyprus has its own beautiful flag, its own government, economy, and its own financial problems. There are two official languages in Cyprus: Greek and Turkish.
The thing is, Cypriots, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, are actually very different to normal Greeks and normal Turks. There are distinctly different traditions and cultures that aren’t completely shared with mainland Greece or Turkey, to the point that there are distinct language differences.