The documentary on the endangered Cypriot Maronite Arabic language, Sanna, sheds light on its cultural significance and the urgent need for preservation. With only 170 fluent speakers left, the film serves as a vital tool in raising awareness and documenting the unique linguistic heritage of the Maronite community in Cyprus.
What is the significance of the new documentary about the Cypriot Maronite Arabic language, Sanna?
The documentary is vital for preserving Sanna, the ‘severely endangered’ Cypriot Maronite Arabic language. It aims to raise awareness, document the language’s unique cultural history, and inspire action towards its revival. With only about 170 fluent speakers remaining, the documentary serves as a crucial tool in maintaining this linguistic heritage and the Maronite community’s identity in Cyprus.
By Rony Junior El Daccache
A Window into Sanna: Preserving a Linguistic Heritage
The legacy of Sanna, the Cypriot Maronite Arabic language, is set to be unveiled through the lens of a compelling new documentary. Deemed ‘severely endangered’ by UNESCO in 2002, this unique language is a testament to the cultural tapestry of Cyprus. Its upcoming first screening on Monday is not merely an exhibition but a clarion call for the urgent preservation of this precious linguistic gem.
The screening, a collaboration between the ministry of education, local broadcasters, Maronite representatives, and CyBC, serves as a beacon of hope for the revival of Sanna. This language, a rich concoction of Arabic and ancient Aramaic, was carried to Cyprus by Maronites escaping persecution in their native Lebanon some 700 years ago. Over time, it has evolved, intricately weaving in elements from Cypriot Greek and distancing itself from mainstream Arabic dialects to the point of mutual unintelligibility.
The Documentary: A Collaborative Effort
Directed by Tasos Mourtouvanis and with the script and editing prowess of Michalis Terzis, the documentary constitutes a diligent effort to document the living history of Sanna. Featuring interviews from 25 individuals, including native speakers, linguists, and community members, the film paints a vivid portrait of the language’s storied existence.
Today, it’s estimated that a mere 170 Maronite Cypriots are fluent in Sanna. This dwindling figure underscores the importance of such documentary projects in raising awareness and capturing the essence of endangered cultural phenomena before they fade into history.
Sanna: More Than Just Words
Sanna is not just a means of communication; it’s a vessel of collective memory, a repository of Maronite heritage. It has withstood the tests of time, political upheavals, and the relentless tide of linguistic homogenization. Its unique characteristics, a blend that has absorbed Cyprus’s own linguistic idiosyncrasies, make it a fascinating subject for study and an important piece of the island’s identity.
The documentary’s first screening is scheduled to take place at the RIK Archive/Cyprus Radio Foundation on Monday at 7.00pm. This event is a milestone in cultural conservation, inviting attendees to step into the world of Sanna speakers and experience the language’s rich oral tradition and the vibrant community it sustains.
A Call to Action for Cultural Preservation
In an era where globalization threatens to erase the unique cultural and linguistic landscapes around the world, initiatives like this documentary play a crucial role. They are not only cultural artifacts but also a rallying cry for action to protect and revitalize endangered languages like Sanna.
The plight of Sanna is a stark reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage. Through capturing the voices of those who hold the language close to their heart, the documentary stands as a testament to the resilience of human culture and the enduring spirit of the Maronite community in Cyprus.
What is Sanna and why is it considered endangered?
Sanna is the Cypriot Maronite Arabic language, a unique linguistic heritage carried to Cyprus by Maronites from Lebanon 700 years ago. It is considered endangered because there are only about 170 fluent speakers left, making it vital to raise awareness and take action to preserve this language.
Who is involved in creating the documentary about Sanna?
The documentary about Sanna, titled Sanna, is directed by Tasos Mourtouvanis and features the script and editing work of Michalis Terzis. It involves interviews from 25 individuals, including native speakers, linguists, and community members, showcasing a collaborative effort to document the living history of Sanna.
When and where will the first screening of the documentary take place?
The first screening of the documentary about Sanna is scheduled to take place at the RIK Archive/Cyprus Radio Foundation on Monday at 7.00pm. This event serves as a milestone in cultural conservation, inviting attendees to experience the rich oral tradition and vibrant community sustained by the language.
Why is it important to preserve endangered languages like Sanna?
Preserving endangered languages like Sanna is crucial for maintaining cultural diversity, identity, and heritage. Such languages are repositories of collective memory and play a significant role in shaping the unique cultural tapestry of communities. Initiatives like the documentary on Sanna serve as a call to action for cultural preservation in the face of globalization.
