Tuscan Language - Subdialects

Subdialects

The Tuscan language is a dialect complex composed of many local variants, with minor differences among them.

The main subdivision is between Northern Tuscan dialects and Southern Tuscan dialects.

The Northern Tuscan dialects are (from east to west):

• Fiorentino, the main dialect of Florence, Chianti and Mugello, also spoken in Prato and along the river Arno as far as the city of Fucecchio.
• Pistoiese, spoken in the city of Pistoia and nearest zones (some linguists include this dialect in Fiorentino).
• Pesciatino or Valdinievolese, spoken in the Valdinievole zone, in the cities of Pescia and Montecatini Terme (some linguists include this dialect in Lucchese).
• Lucchese, spoken in Lucca and nearby hills (Lucchesia).
• Versiliese, spoken in the historical area of Versilia.
• Viareggino, spoken in Viareggio and vicinity.
• Pisano-Livornese, spoken in Pisa and in Livorno and the vicinity, and along the southern coast as far as the city of Piombino.

The Southern Tuscan dialects are (from east to west):

• Aretino-Chianaiolo, spoken in Arezzo and the Chiana valley.
• Senese, spoken in the city and province of Siena.
• Grossetano, spoken in the city and province of Grosseto.