Chjam'è rispondi is a traditional Corsican singing mode that involves improvisation, singing, and poetry. It is a form of sung verbal jousting where two or more people take turns singing improvised verses in response to each other. This art is often played during festivals and celebrations, and it has become an important part of Corsican culture.
The role of Chjam'è rispondi in the transmission of the Corsican language and intergenerational communication is evident. It helps to preserve the language and culture of Corsica by passing it down from one generation to the next. This art is also a way for Corsicans to express themselves creatively and to connect with their cultural heritage.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Chjam'è rispondi, and many events are organized throughout Corsica to celebrate this traditional singing art. It has also been recognized as a potential tool for language learning, as it encourages participants to use and develop their language skills in a fun and engaging way. Overall, Chjam'è rispondi is a unique and fascinating tradition that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Corsica. It is a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, and resilience of the Corsican people, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural traditions.
With the Corsican language, like 5,000 languages around the world, currently threatened with extinction, the chjam'è rispondi is an ancestral art form that is also threatened with extinction.
The 'Tema per u chjam'è rispondi' app is designed to provide random themes for the Corsican type of improvised singing 'Chjama è rispondi'. The app allows users to select various options to customize the themes and interface according to their preferences.
The app provides the following functions:
- Run: This function provides a random theme from Corsican 'Chjama è rispondi'. The user can select various options to customize the theme, such as category choice (unique or multiple), single or double theme.
- Single: This function provides a single theme for the user. For example, 'a leccia' (the oak tree).
- Double: This function provides a double theme for the user. For example, 'U muvronu è a puppusgiula' (the mouflon and the hoopoe).
- Increase font size: This function increases the font size of the theme displayed on the screen.
- Decrease font size: This function decreases the font size of the theme displayed on the screen.
- Default mode: This function allows the user to select the default mode for the app, either single or double theme.
- Categories: This function allows the user to select the category of themes to display. The available categories include all, animals, trees, etc.
- Target language: This function allows the user to select the target language for the themes. The available languages include Corsican cismuntincu, sartinese or taravese.
- Interface language: This function allows the user to select the interface language for the app. The available languages include Corsican cismuntincu, sartinese, taravese, French, Italian or English.
- About: This function provides information about the app, such as the version number, developer information, and other relevant details.
This project was initiated by philosopher Paul Franceschi in may 2023.
- v1.22: first published version
You can contribute to the project in different ways:
- by participating in the development of the python code associated with the project.
- by adding other languages (in particular endangered languages) that are involved in improvised singing
This project is published under the MIT license.
The python code of the release runs on Windows.
The app is currently available on Android playstore (free, no ad) under the title 'Tema per u chjam'è rispondi'.