Culture & Etiquette

1. Induve possu sente a paghjella?

   Where can I hear a paghjella (Corsican polyphonic song)?

   Usage

   Ask a local where to hear traditional Corsican three-voice singing

   Grammar Note

   A paghjella is a traditional Corsican song for three voices (seconda, bassu, terza). Sente means to hear. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Quandu hè a Fiera di a Castagna?

   When is the Chestnut Fair (Fiera di a Castagna)?

   Usage

   Ask the dates of the chestnut fair held at Bocognano (Bucugnà)

   Grammar Note

   Fiera is a fair and castagna is chestnut; the fair is associated with Bocognano (Bucugnà). Dates vary by year, so confirm locally

3. Mi piace assai a cultura corsa

   I really like Corsican culture

   Usage

   Tell a local you appreciate the island's culture

   Grammar Note

   "I like" is Mi piace (it pleases me); for plural things say Mi piacenu. Corsa is the feminine form of corsu to agree with cultura. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Chì vole dì sta tradizione?

   What does this tradition mean?

   Usage

   Ask a local about the meaning or background of a tradition you have seen

   Grammar Note

   Vulè dì literally means "to want to say", i.e. to mean. Sta is the feminine "this" (stu before a masculine noun)

5. Possu cumprà artigianatu corsu quì?

   Can I buy Corsican crafts here?

   Usage

   Look for a place that sells local handicrafts

   Grammar Note

   Artigianatu means crafts in general and is uncountable. Cumprà is also spelled comprà. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. Chì hè a Santa di Niolu?

   What is the Santa di Niolu?

   Usage

   Ask a local to explain the big annual pilgrimage festival of the Niolu region

   Grammar Note

   A pilgrimage held every year on 8 September at Casamàcciuli, linked to the Virgin statue in the village church

7. Vogliu amparà à fà u brocciu

   I want to learn how to make brocciu (Corsican fresh cheese)

   Usage

   Say you want to join a class or demonstration of a local food tradition

   Grammar Note

   Brocciu is Corsica's emblematic AOC fresh cheese. Amparà is also spelled imparà. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

8. Chì hè particulare in sta regione?

   What is special about this region?

   Usage

   Invite a local to share what makes the area culturally unique

   Grammar Note

   Particulare means particular or special and has one form for both genders. Regione means region. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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