The griko language is a modern Greek dialect spoken in the Greek-speaking enclave called Grecìa Salentina, including the municipalities of Calimera, Carpignano Salentino, Castrignano de' Greci, Corigliano d'Otranto, Martano, Martignano, Melpignano, Soleto, Sternatia and Zollino.

The griko language is certainly the result of the linguistic and cultural layers adding in the Salento area in the course of centuries following the numerous different invasions it was subject to.

PTo oppose the constant weakening of the griko language, Unione dei Comuni della Grecìa Salentina,(Association of the municipalities of the Grecìa Salentina) was founded, aimed at safeguarding a precious cultural and anthropological heritage running the risk of disappearing because of the general linguistic and cultural standardisation.

The Italian Parliament recognised the Greek community in Salento as a distinct ethnic group and a linguistic minority called “Grica linguistic minority of the Grico-salentino ethnic group”.