Collection Information: “Fa La Ninna” was collected on May 15, 2014 in Barrington Rhode Island
Informant: The informant, Grace Maglio 22, is a babysitter.
Text:
Fa la ninna, fa la nanna
Fa la ninna, fa la nanna
Nella braccia della mamma
Fa la ninna bel bambin,
Fa la nanna bambin bel,
Fa la ninna, fa la nanna
Nella braccia della mamma.
Translation:
Go to sleep, go to sleepy
In the arms of your mother,
Go to sleep, lovely child,
Go to sleepy, child so lovely,
Go to sleep, go to sleepy
In the arms of your mother.
Context: Grace’s mother sang this song to her when she was an infant. A popular nursery rhyme in Italy, according to Grace, she continues to use it because she finds that it is exceptionally effective at helping infants fall asleep. Grace has babysat for over 50 families and is an experienced caregiver. Grace’s family on her mother’s side is Italian.
Meaning and Interpretation:The translations above show that the lyrics are a direct attempt to help a child to sleep, the ultimate goal of all lullabies. The English translation, however, does not account for the alliteration, and repetition of sounds that the Italian version contains. The songs’ simple structure and repetition, in combination with the high key in which it is sung, are very effective at soothing younger babies, according to Grace.
Collector’s Information: Frohman Anderson, Dartmouth College ’14, Russian 13, Professor Mikhail Gronas, Spring 2014
