In the village of Kormakitis, Cyprus, 97-year-old Iosif Skordis is among the last 900 speakers of Cypriot Maronite Arabic, or Sanna — a rare language tracing back to the tongue Jesus Christ once spoke. Once spoken across dozens of villages, Sanna is now at the brink of extinction, preserved only in this isolated community.
A Unique Language with Deep Historical Roots
Sanna is a distinct offshoot of Syrian Arabic with a rich history that includes influences from Aramaic — the ancient language spoken in the Levant before Arab invasions — and Greek, which shaped its vocabulary and syntax. The Maronite community, originating from Syrian and Lebanese Christians fleeing persecution in the 8th century, has kept this language alive despite geographic and political challenges.
Unlike many languages, Sanna had no written script until recently, relying instead on oral tradition passed down through generations.
Challenges from Conflict and Displacement
The 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus caused widespread displacement of the Maronite people, scattering them and emptying several Maronite villages now occupied by Turkish forces. This disruption severely impacted the use and transmission of Sanna, confining fluent speakers mostly to Kormakitis, where only residents over 50 actively speak the language.
Social shifts have further endangered Sanna, with fewer Maronite marriages occurring within the community, threatening the language’s survival.
Revitalization Efforts Underway
Since Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, support for minority languages like Sanna has increased. Linguists and the Cypriot government have worked together to:
- Develop a 27-letter Latin-based alphabet for Sanna
- Create textbooks and grammar guides
- Record extensive archives of spoken Sanna
- Launch language classes and summer camps for children and adults in Kormakitis and Nicosia suburbs
- Incorporate technology, including QR-coded books and audio tools for young learners
Still, the survival of Sanna depends heavily on young families returning to Kormakitis and maintaining daily use of the language — a challenge given housing and economic concerns.
A Community’s Hope for Cultural Survival
Community leaders and educators express both pride and urgency. Yiannakis Moussas, representing Maronites in Cyprus’s legislature, calls Sanna “one of the most distinguishing features of our cultural identity.” Meanwhile, retired teacher Ilias Zonias, the only qualified native Sanna language teacher, says his greatest wish is not to be the last.
For now, Kormakitis stands as the last stronghold of this ancient language — a living connection to a heritage that has survived centuries of upheaval.
Information sourced from:
- Associated Press report from Kormakitis, Cyprus
- University of Cyprus linguistics research
- Statements from Maronite community representatives