Shipwrecked in the Italian Language

 

il naufragio

shipwreck, total ruin

The sight of a huge cruise ship (nave da crociera) lying on its side (su un fianco) in the water, as if sleeping (come addormentata), was startling enough. But I immediately recognized the island (l’isola) in the background: Giglio, part of the Tuscan archipelago (arcipelago toscano) in the Tyrhennian sea (il mar Tirreno).

I’ve spent many happy days swimming and sailing in these beautiful waters, but I also have been warned about their dangers. Seafarers along the rocky peninsula of Monte Argentario say “C’è mare” (literally, there’s ocean) when the sea is rough (mosso). Combined with a tug at the lower eyelid, the phrase also implies, “Watch out. Pay attention.”

Even a lupo di mare (sea wolf, or expert mariner) needs more than a bussola (compass) to navigate these waters safely. In a guide for marinai (mariners) in the area, I found warnings of scogli isolati (scattered large rocks) that are “poco visibili con mare mosso” (barely visible in high seas).

According to news reports, the Costa Concordia ha urtato uno scoglio (collided with a large rock), causing a huge squarcio (gash), and imbarcava acqua (was taking on water). To date,eleven people are known to have drowned (annegati), and others remain missing (dispersi).

“Quella roccia non è sulle carte nautiche.” (That rock is not on the nautical map,” said the captain, who was arrested and charged with omicidio colposo plurimo, naufragio e abbandono della nave (multiple manslaughter, shipwreck and abandoning ship.) Members of the crew (l’equipaggio) have accused him of “osare troppo” (venturing too far) from the designated route.  

Over the years the sea's harsh lessons about life’s dangers have made their way into the Italian language. Urtare (to collide with), for instance, can also mean “to run afoul of.” Essere in urto means “to be on bad terms”; mettersi in urto con qualcuno, “to fall out with someone.” Naufragare (to be shipwrecked) can also be used figuratively as “to be ruined” or “to flop.” In the sense of a “total ruin” or a “wreck,” a naufragio can happen anywhere and leave you affogato nei guai (overwhelmed by troubles).

Navigare in cattive acque (sailing in bad waters) is the Italian equivalent of skating on thin ice. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t tirare i remi in barca (draw the oars on the boat, or give up). But if you hear the cry “Scialuppe a mare!”, it’s time to launch the lifeboats. And remember: In tempo di tempesta ogni buco è un porto. (Literally, in stormy times, every hole is a port—or, as English speakers say, any port in a storm.)

Words and Expressions

salvagente –- life preserver

scialuppa di salvataggio –- lifeboat

le operazioni di recupero –- rescue operations

naufrago –- castaway, shipwrecked person

andare a picco or andare a fondo –- to sink

lanciare un SOS –- to send an SOS, Mayday

Dianne Hales is the author of LA BELLA LINGUA: MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH ITALIAN, THE WORLD'S MOST ENCHANTING LANGUAGE.

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Comments

[Richard Caifano]

The Italian language has sensitivity that is remarkable, even in the face of tragedy. An avoidable tragedy at that: Ma,che picatta!

[marianna ricci-wilson]

if, indeed, this area is rocky & dangerous to sailing ships, it would seem to me that an alternate route might have been used. picrturesque though it might be, the price to pay for scenery is not worth it. large ships navigating narrow straights, is a formula for disaster. we americans pray for all who were affected by this tragedy. zingara

[italian food manufacturers]

Once again, a very interesting article! The world is watching Italy, and sadly it's not for the good reasons..!

[Salvatore Prisco]

The events off the coast of Tuscany are very sad.
This is especially true when you look back at the heroism of the Roman navy in the Bay of Naples at the time of the Vesuvius eruption in 79 A.D. Admiral Pliny the Elder gave his life as did many Roman naval officers, freemen, and slaves to try and rescue the inhabitants around the bay. Contrast this bravery with the actions of the captain of the cruise ship. What a poor example of responsibility he sets.

[Salvatore Prisco]

When you think about the bravery of Pliny the Elder as admiral of the Roman navy in the Bay of Naples during the eruption of Vesuvius trying to rescue people around the bay in 79 A.D., you have to wonder at the failure of the captain of the cruise ship to take his responsibility seriously. Many Roman sailors ( officers, freemen, and slaves) died along with Pliny in a vain effort to save the victims of the volcano. It is sad to see this kind of failure in our own age.

[Marla]

Excellent article as they always are on this most recent tragedy to unfold here in Italy. I loved the music as well. Your have a wonderful way of sharing the Italian language with the rest of us.