Cypriot Acrolectal Usage: Diachronic and Synchronic Perspectives

Using a four-point model of varietal distinctions, this paper aims to reconsider and systematize available orthographic, phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical data of medieval and modern period Cypriot Greek. The examples revisited are chosen mainly from the late medieval Cypriot Chronicle of Leontios Machairas and for later periods from Cypriot Standard Greek material, from various sources. The main point in the interpretation offered here is that Cypriot Standard Greek is not a new phenomenon, but a relatively conservative form of language, with characteristics and functions ascribed to a standard. This local acrolectal tradition is repeatedly subject to external pressures.

Keywords: varietal distinctions (Cyprus), Late Medieval Cypriot Greek, urban varieties, Cypriot Standard Greek, Standard Modern Greek in Cyprus, language influence, dialect contact