The Gitanos spoke caló, a dialect derived from Latin but with various other languages mixed in. Some Spanish sources refer to these travelers as calé, “black,” a caló word referring to their darker skin. Gitanos are close-knit groups, who define themselves in contrast with outsiders.

What is the original language of the Gitanos?

The one ethnic minority of long standing in Spain is the Roma (Gypsies), who are known in Spain as Gitanos. Their traditional language is Caló. Many of them have assimilated into the mainstream of Spanish society, but others continue to lead their traditional…

What language do the Spanish gypsies speak?

Caló (Spanish: [kaˈlo]; Catalan: [kəˈlo]; Galician: [kaˈlɔ]; Portuguese: [kɐˈlɔ]) is a language spoken by the Spanish and Portuguese Romani.