Royasc

Royasc is a dialect bridging the gap between the Ligurian [language |Ligurian language] and the Occitan language. It is spoken in Italy and France.

Area of use

The Royasc dialect is spoken in the Upper Roya valley, at the boundary of France and Italy.
In France, it is spoken in the communes of Breil-sur-Roya, La Brigue, Fontan, Saorge, Tende.
In Italy, it is spoken in the province of Imperia, Liguria - communes of Olivetta San Michele and Triora and in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont - communes of Briga Alta and the village of Viozene in the commune of Ormea.
The dialect of La Brigue, Briga Alta, Realdo, Viozene, and Verdeggia is also named Brigasc.

History and position

Royasc is the mountainous adaptation of the western Ligurian dialect. It received influence from the Occitan language as the Upper Roya valley was partly ruled by the County of Nice.
Its structure is Ligurian, but its position is discussed: some include it in the Ventimiglia dialect but others consider it a member of a very distinct group of Alpine Ligurian dialects, along with Pignasc and Triorasc.
Image:Tende 082005.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Tende is one of the alpine areas where Royasc is still spoken
Italian Royasc-speaking communes put themselves under the State Law for the protection of minorities, using the Occitan name to do so.