Ascolese refers to a dialect of Italo-Romance, a subfamily of Romance languages. Primarily spoken in the Ascoli Piceno province of the Marche region in central Italy, Ascolese is considered a variant of the regional Central Italian or Marchigiano dialects.
The Ascolese dialect shares similarities with other dialects of the region, but it also features its own distinct linguistic characteristics. It is widely spoken by the local population, particularly in the city of Ascoli Piceno, and is deeply rooted in the regional culture and traditions.
Phonetically, Ascolese can differ from the standard Italian language, exhibiting specific phonological traits such as vowel alterations, palatalization of dental stops, and diphthongization. In terms of vocabulary and grammar, Ascolese displays variations and peculiarities compared to standard Italian, including specific slang, local expressions, and idiomatic phrases unique to the region.
The Ascolese dialect, like many other regional dialects in Italy, has experienced a decline in usage over the years. The widespread adoption of standard Italian as the official language of education and media has contributed to the gradual decrease in the everyday use of dialects in favor of the national language. Nonetheless, efforts to preserve and revitalize Ascolese, along with other regional dialects, remain through cultural associations, literature, and vernacular promotion in Ascoli Piceno and its surrounding areas.
