A trilingual land

Lexicon compilation work, such as that carried out by Barbara Laner, reveals rich nuances: terms such as hozen (now meaning 'to domesticate', but originally meaning 'to breastfeed'), and the diminutive spazl, which is difficult to translate and is used in family contexts, reveal a rich cultural world.

Minority languages are living resources. Their preservation is a shared value that enriches everyone. It is a right and a duty of the wider community to know them, because without minorities, Trentino would be poorer and more uniform, lacking the layers that make it unique.

Three languages, one breath

At the multilingual school in Fierozzo (Vlarotz), Mòcheno coexists alongside Italian, German and English in an environment where languages intertwine and sit side by side.  

The local language becomes a bridge to the outside world, enabling communication beyond the Alps and facilitating travel around the Tyrolean, South Tyrolean and Bavarian regions, which are popular destinations for many young Mòcheni seeking opportunities for study or work. Promoting Mòcheno-Italian bilingualism alongside knowledge of German and English means equipping people with the tools they need to navigate a complex and interconnected world. 

Languages carry stories, ideas and sensibilities with them. Recognising this is essential if the Mòcheno language — like any minority language — is to remain alive and an integral part of society — today and in the future.