Friday, September 04, 2009

WHAT IN SICILY? - 24


OK, you probably know what it is. What is it called in Sicilian dialect, then?

13 comments:

Mary said...

Actually, I have no idea what it is but it most resembles an instrument of torture. You will have realised by now that my imagination often gets the better of me.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

I like your imagination, Mary!

rochambeau said...

No, I don't know either. But soon!

xox
Constance

Mopsa said...

To stone olives?

Anonymous said...

Schiacciapensieri or maranzano ?

Devonshire Dumpling said...

Sicilian dialect - A juissi harpi?

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Well, I'll put you all out of your misery: Sandra and DD have it: A "Jew's harp" [which I believe is a corruption of "Jaw harp"]. You find them everywhere in souvenir shops here. Marranzano in dialect.

Minnie said...

Ah, Welshcakes, late to the party thanks to France Telecom! Got the answer right, tho' [pats back, looks smug]; but would never have guessed the Sicilian name! Thank you for another intriguing post.

marymaryquitecontrary said...

That is interesting welchcakes;my mother always spoke about her father playing a jews harp but I have never seen one. |I had actually forgotten all about it until I read your post.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Well done, Phidelm. Marymary, how lovely to hear from you. I'm glad you found this interesting.

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Well done, Phidelm. Marymary, how lovely to hear from you. I'm glad you found this interesting.

dwardu said...

Apparently it is also called an ngannalarruni!, although I’m unaware of whether this term is in current use or not, as I don’t live in Sicily.

ngannalarruni = inganna + ladroni = deceiver (of) thieves

Why?

According to this site, it’s because the instrument’s sound was used to signal to others that they would have recongized some thieves (so as to be warned to stay on the lookout I presume); as well as to ward off the thieves themselves (sort of “I’ve seen you, I know who you are, beware”)

I’ve got one of these marranzani — I love it :)

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Dwardu, that is very interesting. Thank you for the information and link. I'll try to find out if that term is in current use.

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