Culture & Etiquette

1. Nua poss jau vesair ina opera?

   Where can I see an opera?

   Usage

   Ask this at a tourist office or hotel desk to find where an opera is staged. Big productions are mostly in German-speaking cities such as Zurich, while the Romansh valleys have smaller venues

   Grammar Note

   In a question the subject follows the modal verb (poss jau). Composed sentence; native review recommended

2. Tge èn las bunas manieras qua?

   What counts as good manners here?

   Usage

   Use it to ask about local etiquette before you go, such as greetings or handshakes. It makes a good opening before you ask about specific points

   Grammar Note

   Manieras is plural, so the verb is the plural èn. Composed sentence; native review recommended

3. Cura èsi il Chalandamarz?

   When is Chalandamarz?

   Usage

   Asks about the date of the spring custom of the Engadine and neighbouring valleys. It is held every year on 1 March, when people ring large bells (plumpas and stgellas) to drive off the evil spirits of winter and call spring

   Grammar Note

   The name varies by valley (Calonda mars, Calendamarz and so on); Chalandamarz is the Engadine form. Composed sentence; native review recommended

4. Datti tabus culturals?

   Are there any cultural taboos?

   Usage

   A short way to check beforehand what to avoid. It also works at churches or festivals when you want to know about dress or photography rules

   Grammar Note

   Datti is the set phrase for asking whether something exists, used for singular and plural. The adjective follows the noun and takes -s in the plural. Composed sentence; native review recommended

5. Jau hai fitg gugent l'art.

   I like art very much

   Usage

   A natural way to show interest in a museum or workshop. Art here means art in general, not a particular style

   Grammar Note

   Liking is expressed with avair gugent, literally "to have gladly", and fitg goes before gugent. Composed sentence; native review recommended

6. Tge munta questa tradiziun?

   What does this tradition mean?

   Usage

   Asks a local about the meaning of a custom or ritual you have just seen

   Grammar Note

   Questa is the feminine "this", agreeing with tradiziun. Composed sentence; native review recommended

7. Poss jau cumprar artisanadi local qua?

   Can I buy local crafts here?

   Usage

   For looking for local handicraft as a souvenir. Artisanadi is a collective word for crafts, so for one particular item you would name the item instead

   Grammar Note

   The adjective local follows the noun artisanadi. Composed sentence; native review recommended

8. Tge ha questa regiun da spezial?

   What is special about this region?

   Usage

   A good conversation opener for asking a local what makes the area distinctive

   Grammar Note

   "Special about" is phrased as "have something special". Composed sentence; native review recommended

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