Post by teophrastusbombastus on Nov 23, 2023 21:22:22 GMT
Terra de Miranda is a region of Portugal, in the north eastern part of the border with Spain.
Also known as Raia - a word which is the name of the fish ray, but in very old days also meant "border region" - it has a peculiar culture.
Peculiar enough that they have their own language, which was eventually recognized as Portugal's second official language.
It combines, naturally, Portuguese, Castilian and Arabic elements, and carries a notable amount of archaisms.
That is, words that they still say and write in the fashion of centuries ago, while in the rest of Portugal they evolved to different forms.
Probably something similar occurs as to the Castilian and Arabic portions.
The geography has surely played a vital role in those processes.
Many jagged stony hills, crossed by some rivers is a good recipe for isolation.
But with the advent of music tubes Miranda's music can reach almost anywhere.
Only, the rest of the world can reach there too.
Good thing they are teaching the language in local schools these days...
pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terra_de_Miranda
terrasdeportugal.wikidot.com/miranda-do-douro
pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_do_Douro
The fellows in skirts are the "Pauliteiros" - from "pau" (the stick they carry in each hand).
Curiously like with the Scots with their kilts, the bagpipes are also in great use in the region of Miranda.
Only, it is a smaller, simpler instrument.
mardepedra.blogspot.com/2008/04/gaita-transmontana-ou-gaite-de-foles.html
Also known as Raia - a word which is the name of the fish ray, but in very old days also meant "border region" - it has a peculiar culture.
Peculiar enough that they have their own language, which was eventually recognized as Portugal's second official language.
It combines, naturally, Portuguese, Castilian and Arabic elements, and carries a notable amount of archaisms.
That is, words that they still say and write in the fashion of centuries ago, while in the rest of Portugal they evolved to different forms.
Probably something similar occurs as to the Castilian and Arabic portions.
The geography has surely played a vital role in those processes.
Many jagged stony hills, crossed by some rivers is a good recipe for isolation.
But with the advent of music tubes Miranda's music can reach almost anywhere.
Only, the rest of the world can reach there too.
Good thing they are teaching the language in local schools these days...
pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terra_de_Miranda
terrasdeportugal.wikidot.com/miranda-do-douro
pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_do_Douro
The fellows in skirts are the "Pauliteiros" - from "pau" (the stick they carry in each hand).
Curiously like with the Scots with their kilts, the bagpipes are also in great use in the region of Miranda.
Only, it is a smaller, simpler instrument.
mardepedra.blogspot.com/2008/04/gaita-transmontana-ou-gaite-de-foles.html