The Komiški dialect

The Komiža dialect is a local variant of the Čakavian dialect, spoken in the town of Komiža on the island of Vis, Croatia. It is known for its rich vocabulary related to fishing, the sea, and daily island life. The dialect includes many words of Venetian, Italian, and older Romance origin, reflecting Komiža’s long maritime history and cultural connections across the Adriatic.

Spoken primarily by fishermen and older generations, the Komiža dialect is considered endangered, but efforts are being made to preserve it through education, festivals, and documentation. It represents not only a way of speaking, but also a unique cultural and linguistic identity rooted in the traditions of the Adriatic coast.