Romani is a living language connected to the history and diversity of Roma people. Learning about it is a way to listen, explore and recognise a heritage inseparable from the people who pass it on. This introduction offers some starting points and resources.
In this guide
What kind of language is Romani?
Romani belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family and has different varieties. A Council of Europe linguistic factsheet produced by the Graz project explains this classification and the language’s names.
This challenges the idea that Romani is an unstructured mixture or simply a collection of words. When reading a resource, identify its author, variety and context. If two sources spell a form differently, that difference alone is not enough to conclude that one is incorrect.
Romani and Caló: understanding names in context
Caló and Romani should not be treated as interchangeable labels without explanation. In a text by Nicolás Jiménez, the Virtual Museum of the Roma People in Catalonia describes Caló as a contact language retaining vocabulary of Romani origin alongside grammatical structures from surrounding languages.
When using a dictionary, song or text, we suggest noting the creator’s own description and the community or territory it concerns. This helps avoid presenting one local experience as the single way in which all Roma people speak.
Identity is not a vocabulary test
The Council of Europe’s educational framework for Romani recognises different learner profiles, including speakers and learners for whom Romani is not a home language.
An educational approach therefore needs room for different starting points. Learning should not be a test of belonging. Someone may want to recover words heard in their family, develop knowledge of a familiar variety or encounter the language for the first time. Begin by listening to that aim, without ranking people’s identities.
Small steps towards learning and sharing
- Choose a resource with an identified author and language variety. Check whether it is intended for beginners, speakers or educators.
- Start with a situation that matters to you: introducing yourself, understanding a story or listening to a song. Avoid memorising lists without context.
- Keep a record of where words and explanations come from. Check questions of pronunciation or usage against specialist material or with a speaker who wishes to help.
- Ask permission before recording a family memory or sharing a recording. Agree with the person what may be published and what should remain private.
A personal reading or listening notebook can be a starting point: resource, variety, context and a question to explore. This is a suggested activity, not a downloadable resource or course offered on this page.
Resources for further exploration
The Council of Europe provides a curriculum framework and educational resources for Romani. These are external materials: check the language, level and intended audience before using them. They should not be presented as a Rromanipe’s course.
UNESCO marks World Day of Romani Language on 5 November, following its proclamation in 2015. The date can prompt shared reading or a conversation about language transmission; it does not imply that the association has scheduled an event.
Rromanipe’s website introduces the Virtual Institute of the Romani Language project. Contact the association to find out which resources or activities are currently available. This guide does not announce a functioning dictionary, translator, library or course.
Language can also be explored alongside Roma historical memory and reflection on stereotypes in the classroom. Bringing these areas together can help us ask richer questions while respecting the voices and choices of the people taking part.
Sources and further reading
External references in English, consulted on 16 October 2026.