Language/Literature paper by Basa, Enikő M.
Hungarian Identity and European Connections
Type of Abstract (select):Abstract (max. 250 words):
Hungarian writers of the 19th and early 20th century were concerned with Hungarian identity formation. At the same time, they were aware of the need to place Hungary in a European context. Sándor Petőfi proudly proclaimed himself to be a Hungarian but this was balanced by his interest in European literature and political movements. Other poets of the era also saw Hungarian identity as part and parcel of European identity. In the early years of the 20th century Endre Ady addressed the same issues. He was the champion of Hungarian values and traditions but advocated openness to western ideas and models. By the latter part of the century, in the work of Peter Huncik, Hungarian identity assumed cross-border dimensions as Hungarian writers now function outside of Hungary's political borders. A multi-ethnic approach is emerging in the literatures of the neighboring countries with Hungarian minorities and also within the diaspora. How this wider globalization will play out is yet to be decided.
Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Enikő Molnár Basa received her PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After teaching for several years at universities in the Washington, DC area, she took a position at the Library of Congress. In 2002-2004 she held the Kluge Staff Fellowship at the Library. In 2017 she was awarded the Arany Janos Medal by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences for her work for Hungarian studies, including the founding and leading of the AHEA, work with the Modern Language Association of America and official positions in the MLA and the SCLA among professional organizations. Works include Sándor Petőfi (Twayne World Authors) and editor of volumes in the series; Guest editor of Hungarian Literature in the Review of National Literatures; author of numerous articles on Hungarian and comparative literature. Dr. Basa taught at the U. of Debrecen in the Fall semester of 2004 and at the U. of Szeged in the fall of 2009.