Here's what we know:
* Doric features: Spartans spoke a version of Doric Greek, which was one of the major dialects of Ancient Greek. Doric had several distinctive features, including:
* Consonant changes: For example, the Doric "s" often became "h" in other dialects (e.g., Doric *hēlios* vs. Attic *helios*, meaning "sun").
* Vowel changes: Doric had different vowel sounds than other dialects.
* Grammar: Doric grammar had some unique features, like the use of the dual number in certain contexts.
* Spartan specific features: On top of these Doric features, Spartan speech also had some unique characteristics. We know this primarily from inscriptions and a few literary sources, although the evidence is limited:
* Archaic vocabulary and grammar: Spartans tended to use older, archaic forms of words and grammar, which suggests they preserved these features longer than other Greeks.
* Laconic speech: Spartans were famous for their short, concise speech. This was partly due to their military training and the value they placed on brevity, but it also likely influenced their linguistic style.
* Unique vocabulary: While Spartan vocabulary largely overlapped with Doric, there were likely some specific words or expressions unique to their community.
However, it's important to note that:
* Limited evidence: We have only a few surviving texts that illustrate Spartan speech, so our understanding of their dialect is incomplete.
* Doric variations: Even within the Doric dialect, there was variation between different regions. Spartan speech was likely just one variation of Doric.
* Modern reconstruction: Much of what we know about Spartan speech is based on reconstruction from the limited evidence we have.
Ultimately, the "Spartan dialect" wasn't a completely separate language, but rather a unique version of Doric Greek with its own distinctive characteristics. While its exact nature remains somewhat mysterious, its reputation for laconic brevity has endured through history.