Seventh meeting on dialect: exploration of the song form and Neapolitan culture between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries

The seventh appointment of the “Dialect Meetings”, a project supported by the Scientific Committee for the enhancement of the Neapolitan linguistic heritage of the Campania Region, takes place at the Musap – Museo Artistico Politecnico di Napoli. This meeting focuses on “Song form and history of culture in Naples between the 19th and 20th centuries”, addressing the fundamental role of dialect in Neapolitan song and its historical-cultural value.

### The Song as a City-Form

Nunzio Ruggiero, professor at the University of Suor Orsola Benincasa, is the main speaker of the event. Ruggiero's analysis focuses on the relationship between dialect and song, examining linguistic and cultural aspects. Inspired by Gerard Labrot, Ruggiero illustrates how Neapolitan music reflects a social diversity comparable to the urban structure of Naples. Special attention will be given to artists such as Raffaele Sacco and Salvatore Di Giacomo, highlighting their ability to unite different cultures through musical expression.

### Language and Contamination

The meeting explores how dialect enriches Neapolitan music, integrating different codes and languages. This fusion is seen not only as a local expression, but as a means of cultural transmission that crosses social and historical barriers. “Te voglio bene assaje” is cited as an example to demonstrate how dialect can add depth and authenticity to traditional compositions. The program of the “Incontri sul dialetto”, which will continue until May, can be consulted on the website of the Fondazione Campania dei Festival.