Valencia, as the territory's own language, speaks for itself about the richness and uniqueness that our lands hold. It is no secret that each Valencian-speaking corner has its own words or expressions that contribute to considerably multiplying the linguistic jewel that characterizes us so much.
Social networks are now one of the best engines so that part of that uniqueness is not lost or, at least, that it is made known to young people who are increasingly distant from the most authentic ways of speaking of each town or area. . We find in these new technologies a person dedicated to collecting words for this purpose and that are heard, or have been heard, specifically, in the Marina Alta.
We talk about the account of The talk of the Navy (@vicdelamarina), which currently has more than 2.500 followers. Víctor Castro Montserrat, a resident of Alcalalí, is the creator of the publications on this social network, and as a faithful lover of the language, he is a Catalan philologist, graduated from the University of Valencia, and a teacher of Valencia in high schools.
De menut la meua àvia m'EMPAPUSSAVA el dinar because I couldn't finish it. pic.twitter.com/HItvWC8GMb
— The talk of the Marina Alta (@vicdelamarina) June 17, 2024
"I consider myself an activist and linguistic disseminator," he explains and admits that every day in his hometown he learns new words through, above all, his grandmother. «I have lived all my life in my parents' and grandparents' house and that is where I find the most intact or genuine language. For them they are normal words, but for the younger ones they are not so normal anymore.
And in order to ensure that the words and expressions of the Marina Alta were not lost (so quickly), he began to make lists to compile them all and then made the jump to X. It is on this platform where he has found more lovers of the language than They find in their explanations more recesses of that linguistic richness to which we refer.
His work of compiling countless terms has been underway since 2020. Making a compilation of all of them in one article does not seem easy, but The talk of the Navy has prepared for us a small tasting of 10 words or expressions that are common to hear in the Marina Alta, but that are gradually falling into disuse:
It's worth it: This is a phrase that is sometimes replaced among Valencians by the Castilianism "thank goodness." Its meaning is sort that and it is a Mallorcan heritage adopted in the lands of the region. The talk of the Navy points out that the expression has been preserved in Llorenç Vilallonga's book.
Sicatons: is a noun that defines pruning shears. Its origin is Gallic and it has moved to the region from the Valencians who had to emigrate to Algeria to work during the 19th century. It is not found in any dictionary, although our elders continue to use it.
Merxo: this noun refers to a "cut or wound in the skin", which derives from the Majorcan word merxa. The philologist points out that the vowel change at the end of the word can be by analogy with other words such as *trinxo, *coixo o *blind, according to the book The chatter of the Marina Alta by Vincent Beltran.
Enjorn: This is an adverb whose meaning is "soon." The older generations of the region use it more, while it is being replaced by the generic form of Valencia. prompt. In Catalonia they would say d'hour and in Mallorca perst.
Enrevessat: adjective whose meaning defines that something is "complicated or difficult", could also be used embolic. According to the philologist, in other regions it is falling into disuse, while in the Marina Alta it remains alive.
Bona nit cresol, let the light go out: This expression should be used when something is lost or disappears at the most unexpected moment. However, it is used a lot when someone goes to sleep.
From paint to broad: this expression means from bat to bat, which is to open a door or window completely or do something without hiding anything or without reservations. It is used in the Marina Alta due to Mallorcan influence, but is currently out of use except in the towns of the Rectoria.
Remove: is a verb whose general form is traure. It means "to bring out, to bring something or someone out", among other meanings. This form remains alive in the towns in the interior of the region, such as in the Valley of Pop, as he points out The talk of the Navy.
Alçar: This is a verb with the meaning of keeping, not "raising." In the Marina Alta it is used regularly, as in the neighboring regions.
Espitjar: This verb is used to say "push." Its meaning is espentar, the generic form that is gaining ground. In the region it is used due to Mallorcan influence.
Bon article and bones expressions! Some (enjorn, bona nit cresol, espitjar) also sit at l'Horta.
Why go back to Castellà to explain paraules?
– Alçar: it is a verb with the meaning of saving, not «lifting» «POSING IN ALT», «ELEVATING»
– Espitjar: this verb is used to say “push”, “ESPENTAR”, “EMPÉNYER”.
Maybe because a little help would be good for those who don't speak Valencian as well as you.
In the meu poble it is also diu tudat (estrpechat)