Arba Sicula is a non-profit international organization that promotes the language and culture of Sicily. It does so in the following ways:
by publishing books
Legas is pleased to announce the publication of Learn Sicilian II, a textbook for a second year university course of Sicilian. More than just grammar and exercises, Learn Sicilian II helps students build vocabulary by explaining how Sicilian words are formed, how to use prefixes and suffixes and how English words correspond to Sicilian words. Written entirely in Sicilian, the new book also describes and explains each of the Sicilian parrati, the differences in the spoken language that one hears while traveling around the island. To illustrate the differences, the book contains samples from the various provinces. And it provides a set of rules that teaches students how to understand the differences among the dialects and how to recognize each one.
Learn Sicilian II comes with a CD that contains a Sicilian bilingual anthology, the audio for the selections, answers to the exercises and The Sounds of Sicilian. Alternatively, there is also an electronic version of the book that contains the full text and the CD that accompanies the printed version, embedded in the PDF.
Click here to purchase a copy of the printed book from Legas online store. Or click here to purchase the electronic version. You may also click here for a longer description and to see the Table of Contents of Learn Sicilian II.
by publishing books
Legas is pleased to announce the publication of a new edition by Learn Sicilian/Mparamu lu sicilianu by Gaetano Cipolla, an interactive Sicilian grammar. The new edition, curated by prof. Alfonso Campisi of the La Manouba University in Tunisi was printed in Palermo. The title is Mparamu lu sicilianu: un corso interattivo per apprendere il siciliano. The book is equivalent to the English version except that the rules and instructions for students are written in Italian.
This volume of 326 pages comes with a DVD that contains a complete guide to the pronunciation of Sicilian, the answers to the most important exercises and the audio for all the lectures, dialogues and cultural materials in the book. There are also electronic versions of the two books, both the one in English and the one in Italian. The electronic version contains the texts like the paper books, but also the recordings with the dialogues and answers to the exercises, all in one DVD.
To order the English version, click here. To order the electronic version, click here. Or write to legasbooks2021@outlook.com. If you live in Italy, then to order copies of the Italian version, write to: Nuova Ipsa Editore, via Giuseppe Crispi, 50, 90144 Palermo, telephone: 091 681 9025 or write to: info@nuovaipsa.it. You may also click here to read the table of contents of Mparamu lu Sicilianu.
by organizing lectures and poetry recitals
Arba Sicula organizes lectures, recitals and theatrical events at St. John’s University, at Italian Charities of America and at other institutions. Below are links to videos with recited poetry and translations by Gaetano Cipolla:
Send your e-mail address to Professor Cipolla at legasbooks2021@outlook.com, so that you can be notified about upcoming events.
by publishing Arba Sicula
a unique Sicilian/English annual journal (a double volume) that focuses on the literature, art, history, cuisine and folklore of Sicily. This is our 40th year of publication. Click on the journal to see the table of contents and to read samples of its articles. In celebration of its fortieth anniversary, Arba Sicula has created a CD that contains all 42 issues of the journal on a CD. The CD has a table of contents arranged by recurring features (poetry, prose, Sicilian language, traditions, etc.) that allows you to access the pages with a click of the mouse. The CD, $30.00 each, plus $4.00 for S&H, is available through Arba Sicula, PO Box 149, Mineola, NY 11501.The newer issues from for 2020 and 2021 are not included. But the issue are available by writing to Gaetano Cipolla at the same address.
by publishing Sicilia Parra
a 20-page biannual newsletter that highlights the activities of the organization. It is written primarily in English with one or two pages devoted to Sicilian. To see the current issue’s table of contents and to read samples of its articles, click on the cover page. We have created a DVD that contains all 62 issues from 1989 to 2019) of the newsletter. The DVD, $30.00 each, is available through Arba Sicula PO Box 149, Mineola, NY 11501. If you buy the Arba Sicula CD and the Sicilia Parra DVD together we will send you a complimentary 40th Anniversary Lapel pin for free (a $10 value). Send $64.00 for both CD & DVD. The issues publish after 2019 are also available by writing to Gaetano Cipolla at the same address.
by publishing books about Sicily and Sicilians
Books are our best bet to overcome the silly stereotypes of Sicilians produced by the mass media. We need to educate people about the true nature of the Sicilian people and of their contributions to western civilization.
For a list of current books, please see our PDF catalogue. It contains many interesting additions, including the new advanced textbook: Learn Sicilian II. You can place an order at our online bookstore. At checkout, you can pay with a credit or debit card, pay with PayPal or place a telephone order. The books will then be shipped to you via the US Postal Service.
You can also purchase books and pay membership dues through Paypal. Once logged in, use the “send money” feature and send to: legasbooks2021@outlook.com. Please leave a description of your order in the form.
by Organizing Annual Tours of Sicily for Our Members
Unlike commercially prepared tours, Arba Sicula’s tours are designed for people who have a special feeling for the island. They are unique experiences, journeys of discovery. The next tour will be our 25th consecutive tour. To see the itinerary of our 25th consecutive tour, click here. Look at p. 20 of Sicilia Parra to view a typical tour. The new tour will be very similar.