The word "Gitanna" is often spelled with an "h" instead of a "j", as in "Guitanna". This is because the word comes from the Spanish language, where the sound "j" is pronounced like an English "h". In IPA phonetic transcription, "Gitanna" would be pronounced as /ɡiˈtana/. The "g" is pronounced like a hard "g" in "goat", the "i" is pronounced like the "ee" in "sheep", the "t" like a regular "t", the "a" like the "a" in "father", and the final "na" like "nuh".
Gitanna refers to a traditional musical instrument that originated in the Romani culture. It typically consists of a flat, shallow wooden sound box with a round soundhole, similar to a guitar or a tambourine. The name "gitanna" is derived from the Romani language and translates to "little guitar."
The gitanna is often played by the Roma people, popularly known as "gypsies," who have a rich musical heritage. It holds significant cultural and symbolic importance in their music and traditions. The instrument has played a crucial role in Romani folk music, often accompanying singers or dancers during festivities or celebrations.
In terms of construction, a gitanna usually features steel strings (although it can occasionally have gut or nylon strings) and a flat fingerboard. It can have a variety of sizes and shapes, but it generally has a smaller body than a guitar. The player usually plucks or strums the strings with their fingers or a plectrum, creating a distinct tone that is resonant and percussive.
Due to its unique sound and cultural significance, the gitanna has gained popularity beyond the Romani community. It has been adopted by musicians in various genres, including world music, folk, and even modern fusion styles. In recent times, the gitanna has also been manufactured commercially to cater to a broader audience interested in exploring diverse musical traditions.
The word "Gitanna" is derived from the Romani (also known as Romany) language, which is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Roma people, commonly referred to as gypsies. "Gitanna" is a variant of the word "gitano" or "gitana", which means "gypsy" in Spanish.
The term itself has unclear origins, but it is believed to have originated from the Greek word "Aigyptioi", meaning Egyptian. This is because, historically, the Roma people were thought to have originated from Egypt due to their dark complexion and exotic customs. However, genetic and linguistic studies have shown that the Roma people actually originated from Northern India and migrated westward around the 11th century.