Corsicans are generally laid-back and easy going, they appreciate friendliness and patience: be sure to greet people with “monsieur”, “madame” or “mademoiselle” and try not to get irritated by any hold ups you may have such as roads being blocked by two drivers having a chat.
Corsica is an island of culture with an abundance of music, art and cultural festivals which are organised by volunteers passionate about their chosen interest. Many of the island’s villages also hold a fete or festival to celebrate its local crafts and produce as well as religious or historical events. For more details see ‘Festivals and Events’.
Corsica’s unique polyphonic music is haunting and has undergone a revival in recent years. Groups of three or four perform either a cappella or accompanied by percussion, flutes or stringed instruments. Each of the singers performs with a hand over one ear to prevent them from being distracted by the singer next to them as each voice has a distinct role: the first provides the melody, the second the bass and the third has greater freedom to improvise but is much higher pitched.
The rich and chequered history of Corsica manifests itself around every corner with some fascinating architecture. Monuments, citadels, watchtowers and museums scattered all over the island bear witness to the ever-changing and often turbulent past of this multi-cultural island. Of particular note are the Baroque style chuches in the Balagne region and the 60 Genoese watchtowers that punctuate the coastline.
Language
French is Corsica's official and working language, although many Corsicans are bilingual or trilingual, speaking Italian and the native Corsican language (Corsu), which you will regularly hear in Corsica's more rural areas.
Some words and phrases that may come in handy are:
| French |
English |
| Bonjour |
Good morning |
| Au revoir |
Goodbye |
| Bonsoir |
Good evening |
| |
|
| Oui |
Yes |
| Non |
No |
| S’il vous plait |
Please |
| Merci |
Thank You |
| Excuse-moi |
Excuse me |
| Comment allez-vous? |
How are you? |
| Je vous en prie |
You're welcome |
| Pardon |
Sorry |
| |
|
| Vous parlez Anglais? |
Do you speak English |
| Ou est…? |
Where is...? |
| Je ne compends pas |
I don’t understand |
| Comment ca se dit en francais? |
How do you say it in French? |
| |
|
| Comment vous appelez-vous? |
What is your name? |
| Je m’appelle... |
My name is… |
| |
|
| Un parking |
Parking |
| Defense de staionner |
No parking |
| Sens unique |
One-way |
| Sens interdit |
No entry |
| |
|
| Médecin |
Doctor |
| Pharmacie |
Chemist |
| Ordonnance |
Prescription |
| |
