Experience Italian Learning

**unveiling the Sicilian dialect**

Sicily has a unique culture with specific history and traditions that separate it from mainland Italy. Locals identify themselves as 'Sicilian' first and foremost, although they are unarguably Italian in spirit. We chatted with Valeria Di Marco Sims, founder of The Languages Corner LLC, about the best ways to immerse yourself in anticipation of your Sicily trip.

Preparing for your trip to Sicily

When taking the first steps for your next Sicily trip, Valeria recommends researching Sicilian culture, history, traditions, social norms, and festivals.

“Watch YouTube videos on how locals interact and behave in different social settings, from greetings to gestures and etiquette, can provide valuable insights into Sicilian life. In addition, awareness of the local dialect spoken in Sicily is also essential to further immerse oneself in the region's rich tapestry."

Another great pro tip from Valeria’s before departing is, "Learners should join one of the many Sicilian American Facebook groups."

Unlocking Sicilian dialect

Sicilian pronunciation is a testament to its rich heritage.

Valeria explains, "There are notable differences in pronunciation between Sicilian Italian and standard Italian. Sicilian dialect has been influenced by various languages over its history, including Arabic and Spanish. As a result, people might encounter phonetic elements borrowed from these languages. For example, the word ‘Qasba,’ which in Arabic means ‘Fortress’ or ‘Castle,’ is also used in the Sicilian language. Another example is the Sicilian word ‘porta’ for ‘door,’ which is influenced by the Spanish language. In Spanish, the word ‘puerta’ means ‘door.’”

Immersing in the Italian language

You may wonder, what tools can I use to start my language steps and immerse in the Italian culture? Valeria recommends apps like Babbel, Duolingo, or Memrise. But to truly interact with a native speaker, the Languages Corner LLC offers a private 14-lesson online course taught by a native teacher specifically designed for travelers. This course, which includes a complimentary discovery call before starting, is great for building the language foundation and communicating in Italy, not just in Sicily.

Italian essentials that will come in handy

While many Italians speak English, Valeria believes that making an effort to use some basic Italian phrases can enhance your travel experience and show your appreciation for the local culture. For example:

Come ti chiami? (koh-meh tee kyah-mee) - What's your name?
Quanto costa? (kwahn-toh kohs-tah) - How much does it cost?
Dove si trova...? (doh-veh see troh-vah) - Where is...?
Parli inglese? (pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh) - Do you speak English?
Posso avere il conto, per favore? (pohs-soh ah-veh-reh eel kohn-toh, pehr fah-voh-reh) - Can I have the bill, please?
Che ora è? (keh oh-rah eh) - What time is it?
Posso prendere un taxi? (pohs-soh prehn-deh-reh oon tahk-see) - Can I take a taxi?

Now, to really immerse in the beauty of Sicilian culture, Valeria shares these three famous words among Sicilians:

Mizzica

"It's an exclamation that expresses wonder, amazement, and disbelief towards something. The English equivalent would be expressions of surprise or amazement such as "Wow!", "Oh my!" and "Gosh!"

Peri peri

"This word literally means 'feet feet.' As you can easily guess, this translation doesn't make any logical sense. The most accurate translation is, therefore, 'around.' An English equivalent would be "out and about."

Compà/cumpà

"As can be easily understood, the term's literal meaning is 'godfather,' but in Sicily, it is used generically and informally to greet a friend, an acquaintance, or even a stranger with whom one wants to establish a rapport or get acquainted. An English equivalent for this would be terms like "buddy," "pal," "mate," or "dude."

Indulge in the adventures that Sicily has to offer

Valeria believes choosing the "best" spots in Sicily can be subjective and depends on your interests, but Body Synergy’s FitCation itinerary hits some of the biggest highlights and a few hidden gems in Sicily:

Mount Etna: Europe's most active volcano is a natural wonder with its unique landscapes, craters, and hiking trails, offering an unforgettable experience.

Taormina: Perched on a hill, Taormina offers breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna, a charming historic center, and the renowned Greek Theater.

Syracuse (Siracusa): This ancient city boasts well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins, picturesque streets, and a captivating historical atmosphere.

Ragusa: The city is divided into two parts: Ragusa Ibla, the historical area, and Ragusa Superiore, which has more modern buildings.

Some other spots that Valeria believes you should not miss when visiting Sicily include:

Palermo: The capital city is a vibrant hub with a rich historical and cultural heritage,

including stunning architecture, markets, and diverse cuisine.

Agrigento: The Valley of the Temples is an archaeological wonder featuring impressive ancient Greek temples and ruins set against a picturesque landscape.

Aeolian Islands: Explore these enchanting volcanic islands, each with its own character, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

When you think of the best gelato, strong and full-bodied coffee, baroque towns, superb quality wine, and movie views, then you are thinking of Sicily. For these reasons, it is one of Body Synergy FitCation's favorite destinations!

Experience Italian learning: unveiling the Sicilian dialect