Italian is spoken in all of Sicily and many – particularly the young – also speak other languages. It is rare to meet Sicilians who are not able to communicate in the Italian language. In general, we use dialect in informal situations: at home or with friends.

While the official language of Sicily is Italian, the majority of the population is bilingual, speaking Sicilian (u sicilianu) as their native tongue. In 2026, Sicilian is recognized by UNESCO as a distinct language, not just a dialect of Italian. It is a rich, complex tongue with heavy influences from Greek, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Latin—a reflection of the island's many conquerors. In daily life, you will hear a "regional Italian" that incorporates Sicilian syntax and vocabulary. For travelers, standard Italian is used in all formal settings, hotels, and restaurants. However, if you venture into the mountain villages of the Madonie or the fish markets of Catania and Palermo, you will hear the deep, rhythmic sounds of Sicilian. English is widely spoken in tourist hubs like Taormina and Syracuse, but it is less common in the rural interior. Learning a few basic phrases like "Bedda" (Beautiful) or "Assabbinidica" (a traditional greeting) will earn you immense respect from locals, who are fiercely proud of their unique linguistic heritage that sets them apart from the Italian mainland.