Colonia Tovar - Language and Culture

Language and Culture

Tovar was organized from the beginning as a closed community. The founders had the intention that they maintain their cultural traditions for a long time. Upon arrival, they built houses retaining the distinctive architecture of the Kaiserstuhl. The badische, Baden dialect, was the language that dominated the area and food and clothing remained intact. Even for a time forbade marriage outside the colonia, in order to ensure ethnic and cultural continuity. Although the official language of Venezuela is Castilian, the majority language in Colonia Tovar is the alemannisch: alemannic, Alemán Coloniero precisely. It is a variant language they have inherited generations after 150 years, although many phonetic and lexical turns are no longer used in Europe. The alemannic belongs, next to bavarian, the branch called high German of the Germanic language family. The houses, buildings and shops in the city are also made according to the alpine style, giving it an unmistakable identity peculiar. The Church of St. Martin in the center of town is a true copy of the Endingen in Germany, from where the founders. In 1940 it established Spanish as the official language and exogamous marriage became a free practice. In the early 21th century, the inhabitants of Tovar are integrated into Venezuelan culture, without abandoning their customs immigration. Among the traditions that remain is the craftsmanship, heritage of the founders, preserving traditional skills in arts and crafts in wood, ceramic and other materials. It also works the Academic Center of Violin, as a school that prepares students in the art of manufacturing, maintenance and repair of symphonic instruments and popular.