Celebrate Carnevale in Italian: Vocabulary for Masks, Parades & Sweets
Italy’s language is as diverse as its landscape. Beyond standard Italian (italiano), each region speaks its own dialect with unique words. Introducing kids to these regional terms builds cultural curiosity and adds flavor to their Italian journey.
- Picciriddu (Sicilian) – Means “child.”
- Example: “U picciriddu gioca in giardino.” (The child plays in the garden.)
- Uagliò (Neapolitan) – Means “boy” or “buddy.”
- Example: “Ciao, uagliò! Come stai?” (Hey, buddy! How are you?)
- Mo (Venetian) – Means “now.”
- Example: “Mo vinìmo a casa.” (Now we’re coming home.)
- Magnà (Romanesco) – Means “to eat.”
- Example: “Dopo, andiamo a magnà la pizza.” (Afterward, let’s go eat pizza.)
- Vee (Milanese) – Means “to come.”
- Example: “Vee qui subito!” (Come here right away!)
Practice & Play
Turn these words into a mini-performance: assign each child a dialect and have them greet each other using their regional term. Record the dialogue and play it back, celebrating each dialect’s melody.
Reinforce with Dinolingo
Standard Italian lays the foundation, explore Dinolingo Italian for Kids to master basic vocabulary and pronunciation before diving into dialect fun.
Final Thoughts
Learning regional words connects children to Italy’s vibrant local cultures. By practicing picciriddu, uagliò, mo, magnà, and vee, young learners gain linguistic adventure and an authentic taste of La Dolce Italia.
Sources