do Gypsies all over the world have a common language or they speak the language?

Question

of the country where they live?In Turkey,they speak a language somewhat different from Turkish.Also,I would like to know if their traditions and customs are some sort of the same?

Answer 1

The Gypsie's language is called 'Romany'. It resembles Sanskrit. Through centuries of wandering, their language has become a mix of words borrowed from the languages of countries in which they lived. Being different and strange they have often been feared and disliked.

Answer 2

Our language is called Rromanes. We originated in the Punjab area of India and spread. The term "Gypsy" came because some mistakenly believed we were Egyptian. Rromanes can be traced back to the Punjab region and has even leaked into English. For example: "chav" is from "chavi" which is "child"

I highly doubt a Punjabi could understand a Rromani. It is nowhere near close enough.

There are Rromani all over the world, especially Eastern Europe, Spain, and, yes, even America. There are Rromani in Australia, the UK, and so forth.

Of course, there are many, many dialects so one group of Rromani (the proper word for Gyspy) has trouble understanding another group from a distant locale.

Rromanes (I have also heard it called Romani Chib or just plain Romani) is just now being put into written form and it is hardly standardized. It is going to take, I believe, decades before it is standardized and, even then, the standardized written form is not going to incorporate all of the spoken dialects.

For example, it is correct to say Phral or Pral (brother), murro or muro (mine), Gajde, Gorger, Kadje and a few others (non-Gypsy), and so forth. We call ourselves Rromani, Romani, Romany, Rroma, Roma, etc. You get the idea... it is not standardized.

To correct some misinformation: Rroma does not come from "Rome" or "Romania". Rrom or Rom means Man. Romni is Woman.

In Europe most Gypsies speak at least two languages: Rromanes and whatever is the native tongue in which they reside.

In America, many of us do not speak Rromanes or speak just a little, like myself (just a few words, really). A few lucky ones do speak it.

Customs and traditions vary between Vitsi (Clans) and even familiya. They most certainly vary between countries. The solidity of Familya and Vitsa are almost universal. Actually, they are universal in traditional Rromani areas (Eastern Europe and in small communities elsewhere). There is what is called "marime Romaniya" which is throughout the culture and defines, basically, every aspect of traditional life. Marime Romaniya varies between Vitsi and regions. In Eastern Europe Gadje are NOT trusted, for very good reason. Even in America, some Rromani still do not trust Gadje.

Tradition states for prearranged marriages, which are not as common in America, but they do occur.

The book someone in this thread is looking for is called "Bury Me Standing".

I hope that answered some questions.

Baxtalo! (good luck, kind of a friendly "seeya")

Answer 3

Don't think the language is common all over world. In the UK I doubt very much that they speak in Turkish tongue.

I do suspect that they share some of the same traditions and customs, but then I am not a Gypsy.

In the UK Gypsies are often referred to as Travellers, that is traditionally they don't often stay in one place for any length of time, however the local council's are now setting sites aside for Travellers to stay permanantly in one location for the sake of childcare and schooling.

Sorry I am unable to be any more help, a web search might be more revealing.

Answer 4

Yes, they have a single language--called Rom, or Romani. But, like all displaced peoples everywhere, they most likely also--or only--speak the language of the country they live in. As to traditions and customs, it depends on how strongly they feel the pull of their culture; most don't. A lot of them have actually come to believe the lies told against them! I could point you to a book I read, which answers all your questions, but unfortunately I've forgotten the title.

Answer 5

Dont know if its all over the world but there use to be called a roemaney Gypsie . These are or were the true gypsie not your tinkers or travelers. And they had there own language.

Answer 6

most of the traditions are the same and some are a little different sort of the same yes but the language changes from region to region

Answer 7

They speak Punjabi of course it may change a bit from region to region, also they speak the language of the country they live.
Tradittions are most the same because of their believes.

Answer 8

The Language is called roma, this is also the best term to use to refer to the people. Gypsy has become less accepteble, a bit like eskimo or chinaman are no longer acceptable!

Answer 9

Yes, they do have a universal language, called "$".

Answer 10

they speak gypsaneise