Language/Literature paper by Basa, Eniko M.
Cultural Crossroads in Hungarian Literature (Accepted)
Type of Abstract (select):Abstract (max. 250 words):
The Carpathian Basin is a text book case of cultural crossroads. In the 19th century the area was a multicultural unit, and Hungarian history and literature has probably minimized the differences. Still, there are real connections among the various ethnicities who have existed for many years together. In literature one can find connections among peoples which might be more relevant than the historical record suggests. Often outside forces exacerbated ethnic differences natives did not perceive as problematic. In my paper I will examine Peter Huncik's Határeset as an examination of the ethnic relations of Upper Hungary in the 20th century as the region changed hands from Hungary to Chechoslovakia, to Hungary and again to the Check state.
Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Eniko Molnar Basa, PhD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1972 in Comparative Literature (English, German, French and Hungarian). Taught at U. of Maryland, Dunbarton College, American U. and Hood College before taking a position at the Library of Congress, 1978-2004, working in Hungarian, Finnish, German and English. Member of the Modern Language Association (1975-present) and founder of the Hungarian Group that became the Hungarian Forum. Founding member of the Southern Comparative Literature Association. Founder and Executive Director of the AHEA.