Romanichal
The Romanichals (UK: /ˈrɒmᵻnɪtʃal/; US: /ˈrɑməniˌtʃæl/) (also Romnichals, Rumnichals or Rumneys) are a Romani sub-group in the United Kingdom and other parts of the English-speaking world.
Romanichals are thought to have arrived in England in the 16th century. They are closely related to the Welsh Kale and to other Romani groups in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
Etymology
The word "Romanichal" is derived from Romani chal, where chal is Angloromani for "fellow".
Distribution
Romanichal are found across the United Kingdom, particularly England, Lowland Scotland and Wales. The Romanichal diaspora emigrated from the British Isles to other parts of the English-speaking world. Based on some estimates, there are now more people of Romanichal descent in the United States than in Britain. They are also found in smaller numbers in South Africa, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Language
The Romani people in England are thought to have spoken the Romani language until the 19th century, when it was replaced by English and Angloromani, a creole language that combines the syntax and grammar of English with the Romani lexicon. All Romanichals also speak English.
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