DISCOVER THE OC LANGUAGE, THE OCCITAN, THE GASCON

During your holidays in the Gers, in the land of Gascony, there is singing and the music of the Gersois. 

In the Gers, historically, they speak the Gascony language. It is a dialect of Occitan, which is spoken in approximately half of southern France, the periphery of Spain and Italy (32 departments in France). The Gascony language was, and still is, spoken in Gascony, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenees and along the Garonne River. The Gers is at the heart of this territory.   

Like many countries, proud of its roots, Gascony is proud of its language and in the Gers, they are keen to preserve this linguistic and cultural heritage. Learning a dialect allows the locals to understand the regional patois, the names of places, families and ancient writings, the background of modern French which is influenced by all the dialects of which it's made. 

Barrant and its helical bell tower 

LANGUAGE AND TRADITIONS 

Learning a language or a few words of it, while travelling, gives you a chance to feel the culture. Gascony culture is part of its language. If you want to go to one of the many arenas to see a corsa landesa (ancient form of bullfighting that involves no bloodshed), you are witnessing the essence of Gascony culture! In the songs and traditional dances, Gascon is used! Perhap you will have the opportunity to play lo quilhon? The palet Gascon (skittle game), is very popular in Armagnac...

Check the fairs and events calendar; there are many events celebrating this rich culture. 

A SMALL DICTIONARY FOR TOURISTS 

Adiu: hello/goodbye 

Mercés: thank you 

Castèthnau: castelnau 

Bastida: bastide 

Hesta ou feria: a fair 

Bandas: traditional orchestral music 

Cagnard: heatwave 

Chocolatine: pain au chocolat  

Tchi: nothing 

Sopa: soup 

Comuns: toilets 

Entrada/sortida: entrance/exit 

Minjar: eat 

• To learn more “L’Occitan dans le Gers de A a Z”, is an interesting document to consult, published by the Conseil Général du Gers. 

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