Vocabulary In the News: Venice’s Declining Population

A group of Venetians in Italy’s canal city is planning on holding a “funeral” to mourn Venice’s declining population which they say is draining the city of its normal life. The organizers of the upcoming funeral will carry a a casket symbolizing the death of Venice in a procession down the Grand Canal in three boats. Mario Secchi, who was born in Venice where his dad and granddad were Venetians, was forced to emigrate to the mainland because rents were too high in the historic center. Mr. Secchi says the city is under attack by the rich who are using Venice like a stock exchange by buying empty houses and selling them 5 years later at a higher price.

In 1960 the population stood at more than 145,000 and now it has dropped to an all-time low, dipping below the 60,000 mark. They are concerned because the population is getting older, the buildings are in a state of degradation, and more and more shops are opening just for tourists. The traditions and crafts of Venice are quickly disappearing. Secchi and his friends are responsible for placing a population counter in the window of a pharmacy in order raise public awareness to the real decline of Venice’s population. The more pessimistic say that by 2030 Venice will be emptied of her residents and today’s 18 million visitors risks doubling in 20 years.

Humor Spot: Final Farewell

Following a funeral service, the pallbearers are carrying the casket out of the church when they accidentally bump into a wall. From inside the coffin they hear a faint moan. Opening the lid, they find the man inside alive! He leaps out, performs a little jig, and lives another ten years before eventually keeling over.

Once again, a ceremony is conducted, and at the end, the pallbearers carry out the casket. As they head toward the doors of the church, the wife of the deceased leaps to her feet and shouts, "Watch the wall!"

bump into – rentrer dans

casket – un cercueil

coffin – un cercueil

deceased – le défunt/la défunte

jig – une gigue

keel over – s’écrouler

leap – bondir, sauter

moan – un gémissement

pallbearer – un porteur de cercueil