Cyprus-Forum.com

[SKI-preo]

There are also distinctions between Cypriot O/S . My theory is that every wave of exile is a time capsule.

The 1950's vintage exiled Cypriots who went to the UK- the Charlouthia speak very heavy Cypriot. I think this is because there are not too many Kalamaraes in the UK.

The Aussie Cypriots speak more "kalamaristika" as we left Cyprus after 1970's and 1980's overall.I think Cyprus went through a partial "gentrification" in the 1960's & 1970's. Cyprus was bombarded with kalamara culture. The Cypriots who were here (Aus) before were heavily absorbed by the Kalamara Community and in most cases so they made an effort to mimic kalamaraes. Having said that some from this generation speak Cypriot as heavy as 1950 vintage UK Cypriots.

My relatives in Canada also were absorbed into a kalamara community in the 1980's.


It was funny to me that when I first went back to Cyprus I was asked by many Nicosians "Ma intambou kalamarizeis?" Then a year ago I was told "ma milate xwrgiatika?". I can kalamarisei when required- my relos in the UK get ridiculed by Nicosians. Some say that Nicosians are motivated by a cultural Cringe.

I think with "gentrification" the distinct Cypriot dialect is being heavily watered down.

You guys should hear my sister's 1960's vintage Cretan in-laws talk. They sound like they are aliens.I cannot tell what the fu&* they are saying half the time.