Le scelte linguistiche nel rap italiano di oggi: il caso di Ghali

Abstract

Ghali’s trap music presents a hybridized experience where languages and cultures are combined to form unique compositions. Born in Milan from Tunisian parents, Ghali’s work merges official languages (Italian, French, English and Spanish) but also regional dialects
(Milanese, Neapolitan and Tunisian) as well as contemporary vocabulary connected with digital popular culture (video games, music industry, social media). This article studies to what extent these various languages intermingle in the artist’s music and the reasoning behind the switches from one to another. The findings confirm that the combination of standard languages and the vernacular characterized in Ghali’s songs is integrated within the traditional codes of rap music, therefore serving as a space to express the plight of minorities. Furthermore, through his lyrics that portray various cultures, from his local Baggio to Milan and Italy as well as Tunisia, Ghali
affirms his transcultural identity by exceeding national categorizations.