Ladin is a Romance language spoken primarily in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy. It is part of the Rhaeto-Romance group, which also includes Romansh in Switzerland and Friulian in the Friuli region. Ladin has several dialects, reflecting the diverse communities in which it is spoken, such as those in Val Gardena and Val Badia. The language has a rich cultural heritage, with roots dating back to the Roman Empire. Efforts to preserve and promote Ladin include education in schools and the publication of literature. Today, it is recognized as a minority language in Italy, highlighting its importance to local identity.