Key Changes Over the Last Century

The Italian language is constantly evolving, much like a living organism adapting to the needs of its speakers. Asking how the evolution of the Italian language has progressed opens the door to exploring many fascinating aspects of this dynamic language. Over the last hundred years, the evolution of the Italian language can be observed through significant changes in grammar, vocabulary, and social usage. In this article, we will explore the main changes that show how the Italian language has evolved throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, shaping it into the language we know today.

From “egli” and “ella” to “lui” and “lei”

One of the most visible changes in modern Italian is the increasingly frequent use of “lui” and “lei” instead of the traditional pronouns “egli” and “ella.” This shift is an example of how the evolution of the Italian language reflects the way most people speak in everyday life. Pronouns like “egli,” “ella,” “essi,” and “esse” are now considered outdated and are mostly used in formal or literary contexts. Many young Italians are unfamiliar with their usage simply because they are rarely heard in daily conversation. This change reflects the language’s natural adaptation toward simplicity and accessibility.

From “Voi” to “Lei”: the evolution of the Italian language in formal address

Another interesting change involves how Italians express respect.

Historically, the use of “Voi” as a formal pronoun gained popularity during the Renaissance and coexisted with “Lei” for centuries. According to the Accademia della Crusca, “Lei” was already in use as a courtesy form in central-northern Italy by the sixteenth century. During the Fascist regime, “Lei” was officially discouraged for being considered a foreign (Spanish) import, and “Voi” was enforced as the only proper form. After World War II, “Lei” returned as the dominant formal pronoun across Italy, though “Voi” remains in use in some southern regions.

Today, “Lei” is the standard for polite address. This change illustrates how the evolution of the Italian language has created a more unified and neutral form of communication. “Lei” is seen as more impersonal and suitable for professional and official contexts and its use has helped standardize polite speech across the country.

Anglicization of the Italian vocabulary

With the rise of technology and globalization, Italian has adopted many English words, particularly in fields like tech, marketing, and pop culture. Terms like “computer,” “smartphone,” “weekend,” and “meeting” have become common vocabulary. Some of these loanwords have even given rise to new Italian verbs like “chattare,” “scrollare,” and “formattare,” following Italian conjugation patterns. The phenomenon goes beyond tech—words like “fashion,” “feedback,” and “deadline” are now widely used, especially among younger generations and in professional environments. While this shows how the evolution of the Italian language has allowed for modernization, it has also raised concerns about preserving linguistic identity.

French influence before English

Before English, the foreign language that most influenced Italian was French. Until the mid-20th century, French was the language of culture, high society, and diplomacy. Words such as “bureau,” “chef,” “début,” and “garage” were borrowed from French and integrated into Italian, especially in areas like gastronomy, fashion, and administration. This influence helped shape the elegance of formal Italian, and many courtesy expressions still reflect this legacy. French influence enriched Italian with a refined vocabulary that recalls a time when French culture dominated European society.

Gender inclusivity in the language

In recent decades, the use of the feminine gender in Italian has undergone significant transformation. Words like “avvocatessa” or “poetessa,” once common, are now often viewed as diminishing or even derogatory. In their place, forms like “avvocata” or “poeta” (used for women) are increasingly preferred to give women greater recognition and dignity in professional roles. Terms like “sindaca” and “ministra” have also gained ground, reflecting a cultural shift toward gender equality. This linguistic evolution mirrors broader social changes and shows a growing desire to make the Italian language more inclusive and respectful for all.

The decline of the subjunctive mood

The subjunctive mood has long been considered one of the most complex elements of Italian grammar. In recent years, its use has declined, especially in informal spoken language. More and more speakers use the indicative mood instead, as it is simpler and more direct. While language purists often criticize this trend, many linguists see it as a natural linguistic evolution. Although the subjunctive is less common in conversation, it still plays an important role in formal writing and is taught in schools. This contrast between written and spoken usage highlights how the evolution of the Italian language varies across different contexts.

The impact of media and social networks

With the rise of the internet and social media, written language has become much more informal. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have introduced new ways of communicating—abbreviations, emojis, and neologisms reflect everyday speech. This is another example of how the evolution of the Italian language has increased its flexibility, reducing the gap between written and spoken language. Social media has also changed storytelling itself, with memes and temporary stories creating a more dynamic and creative use of language. Phrases born online often enter common usage quickly, showing the powerful influence of digital communication.

Rediscovery of regional dialects

Although standard Italian is now widespread thanks to schools and media, recent years have seen renewed interest in regional dialects. Many people view dialects as a crucial part of Italy’s cultural heritage, and initiatives have been launched to preserve and promote these local languages. Dialects serve as a connection to regional history and traditions and are often spoken in family or informal settings. In some regions, courses are even offered to teach dialects to younger generations. The revival of dialects illustrates how the evolution of the Italian language now embraces linguistic diversity rather than suppressing it.

Conclusion: A language that keeps evolving

As we’ve seen, Italian is a language in constant evolution, changing alongside the society and people who speak it. From shifts in pronouns to the influence of foreign languages, and from gender-inclusive terms to the rise of informal digital language, Italian reflects the values and culture of its speakers. The evolution of the Italian language is not just about grammar or vocabulary—it’s a mirror of how Italy itself continues to grow and transform.

What other changes in the evolution of the Italian language have you noticed? Share your thoughts in the comments!