Beatrice Matias – Mola di Bari (Puglia)

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Anna Pallis – (Calabria)

Interview of Bell’s Criteria

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Gaetano Gambino (Palermo, Sicily)

Gaetano Gambino speaking the language

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Interviewer: Kimberly Lockwood

Interviewee; Joe D’Agostino (Pozzallo, Providence of Ragusa in Sicily)

Q 1: What part of Italy are you from?

A: I was born in Pozzallo, Providence of Ragusa in Sicily. 

Pozzallo is located in the southernmost part of Sicily. The primary language is Italian in Pozzallo, but Sicilian is a distinct and historical language of Sicily. This shows historicity because the people have a strong connection to their language and find identity in it even though Sicilian and Italian are considered different languages to the residents there they both hold the same amount of identity for the speakers.  

Q 2: Where do you currently live?

A: I live here on Staten Island, New York. 

Q3: How did you learn to speak Italian?

A: I learned how to speak at home with my parents and in school with a teacher. 

This shows the vitality of the Italian language because it is being passed down through generations. It is also being taught in schools. 

Q4: Did you teach it to your children?

A: No, it was difficult because my wife was American and did not speak one word in Italian. 

While this may go against the language’s vitality, there is an acceptable excuse. Mostly all families that live in Italy would have children that spoke Italian. 

Q5: Did you teach it to anyone else?

A: No, no one. 

Q6: Do you plan to? 

A: If there is someone who would like to learn Italian, yes I will be able to teach them. 

Q7: How often do you go back to Italy?

A: Every year because I have a house in Sicily close to the water and I go every summer. 

Q8: What is your favorite aspect of the Italian culture?

A: The culture, the food, the people, the beauty of the towns, the temperature in Sicily. 

Q9: Do you feel that it is important to know the language, to connect with the culture. 

A: I do believe knowing Italian holds a lot of value and makes it easier to connect with the Italian identity. 

This shows the historicity of the language because speakers do hold onto the language as it gives them a sense of identity and belonging.