The primary languages of the Calabria region are Standard Italian and many regional varieties of the Italo-Dalmatian group collectively known as Calabrian (Italian: calabrese). In addition, there is a significant Calabrian version of the Griko language and pockets of Occitan and Arbëresh.

Calabrian (it: Calabrese) is the name given to a number of dialects spoken in the Calabria region of Italy. The various dialects of Calabria are part of a strong continuum that are generally recognizable as Calabrian, but that are usually divided into two different language groups. In the northern one-third of the region, the Calabrian dialects are often classified typologically with Neapolitan language (it: Napoletano-Calabrese) and are called Northern Calabrian or just Cosentino. In the southern two-thirds of the region, the Calabrian dialects are more closely related to Sicilian, grouped as Central and Southern Calabrian or simply Calabro, and are usually classified as part of Extreme Southern Italian (Italiano meridionale-estremo) language group. The Amantea-Cirò line is generally considered an approximate demarcation between the Neapolitan and Sicilian language groups.