Menorquí is a variant of Catalan which is widely spoken in the Barcelona
region of northern Spain. However the local dialect also contains traces of
romance languages as used in Italy. Quite a few variants can be traced to Sardinian
origins like the use of "su" rather than "le" and "sa" in place of "la". These forms definate
article were used in the Costa Brava area as well.
Another major influence on Menorqui words came from the British occupation The bow
windows so typical of British architecture in the
Georgian period are to this day called
"boinder" and other ornate windows are referred to as "winders".
The local
sandals or Abarcas are made by the "Xumaquer" (shoemaker as the X is pronounced as a cross between and H and a J).
"Beguer" comes from beggar, "bifi" comes from beef and "chel" comes from Shell.
"sarge" is used for a bully with its origins in the military who used were feared figures in Georgian times.
In the homes of Menorcans you will find a "saydbor" which is Menorqui for the elaborate sideboards which
adorn many homes. The family will have "grevi" with their meal and children will still play with "xoc".
Just in case you are struggling in the last sentence I was mentioning Gravy and Chalk.
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